CPI-M MP John Brittas says Data Protection Act 'infringes' on RTI Act

Opposition leaders in India argue that the newly enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act severely undermines the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which has long empowered citizens and the media. They contend that the legislation creates a draconian barrier to transparency, effectively nullifying the democratic safeguards that allow public access to government information. This clash highlights a critical tension between emerging data privacy frameworks and established mechanisms for civic accountability. In response, the government maintains that the two acts are designed to work in harmony rather than conflict. Officials assert that the new legislation respects constitutional privacy rights while preserving transparency for public life. They emphasize that data already made publicly available by law or required for welfare programs remains accessible, ensuring that the core principles of public accountability are not compromised by the need to protect individual personal information. This debate is vital for the open data community as it illustrates the complex balancing act required when integrating data protection laws with transparency mandates. If the government’s interpretation holds, open data initiatives can continue without fear of overreach, provided they distinguish between personal data and public interest information. However, the opposition’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder that privacy legislation must be carefully crafted to avoid inadvertently silencing public scrutiny and eroding the right to know.

Source: bignewsnetwork.com
Published on 2025-04-12

CPI-M MP John Brittas says Data Protection Act 'infringes' on RTI Act

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