Open to Suggestions From Media on Data Protection Act: Vaishnaw
day after SC seeks govt's response on petition alleging breach of press freedom Our Bureau New Delhi: The government is open to suggestions from news organisations on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and ready to address their concerns if doubts persist on freedom of the press, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday. "Journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution, and there is no intention to affect that. Privacy law maintains that freedom which the Constitution guarantees. Right to privacy is defined as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court's judgment, so that has been converted into law by Parliament," said Vaishnaw, who is also the minister for electronics and information technology, and railways. "Inviting all editors; happy to take on record all suggestions.
If there is any doubt, the government is open to acting accordingly," he said. The minister's comments came a day after the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response to petitions alleging that provisions of the DPDP Act infringe upon press freedom and the efficacy of the Right to Information Act 2005, which empowers citizens to request data and records from public authorities.
Petitioner Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) argued that the absence of an exemption for journalistic activities in the DPDP Act and its accompanying rules would impede news reporting and investigative journalism. The DNPA represents 21 news publishers, including organisations owned by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, as well as the ABP group, Zee Media, Times Internet, The Hindu and Indian Express. Times Internet is the digital arm of The Times of India Group, which also publishes The Economic Times.
The DNPA has pointed out similar frameworks in jurisdictions such as the European Union, Singapore and Britain provide a specific exemption for journalism. On Wednesday, Vaishnaw said during the consultation for the DPDP law, all newspapers and channels were part of the process. "It was very clearly explained that the DPDP does not impinge on freedom of the press," he said. Sources said the government is open to making changes to the law to "hardcode" press freedom. This may be in the form of a carve-out for journalistic activities within the DPDP provisions, they indicated. The top court will hear the matter next on November 17.