How does Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act weaken the RTI? | In Focus podcast

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act’s new section potentially weakens citizens’ ability to access government information, undermining accountability established by the Right to Information Act. This legislative shift raises concerns about reduced transparency and increased secrecy in public administration. Such dilution threatens the fundamental right of ordinary people to scrutinize state functioning, effectively prioritizing data privacy over open governance. This tension highlights a critical challenge for open data advocates seeking to balance individual rights with collective oversight. The opposition’s demand for repeal underscores the risk of eroding democratic safeguards. For open data, this development signals a concerning trend where legal frameworks may inadvertently restrict public access to vital information, necessitating careful vigilance to preserve transparency.

Source: thehindu.com
Published on 2025-04-04

How does Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act weaken the RTI? | In Focus podcast

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