Ashwini Vaishnaw Defends DPDP Act Against Press Freedom Concerns

Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act on October 28 and 29, 2026, following warnings from news publishers that the law could restrict investigative journalism. Media organizations argue that the absence of a specific exemption for journalism may hinder the collection of personal data without consent and jeopardize the protection of confidential sources, making it harder to hold institutions accountable.

Vaishnaw stated that journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution of India and that the government has no intention of interfering with media independence. He noted that the legislation was developed after a year of consultations and aligns with a Supreme Court judgment that recognizes privacy as a fundamental right.

To resolve the dispute, the government has expressed a willingness to meet with editors and media professionals to address doubts and consider recommendations. Government sources indicated they are open to amending the law to explicitly safeguard journalistic activities if necessary to clear up confusion.