Civil society groups to mount legal challenge to parts of data protection law

Civil society groups in India are mobilizing a legal challenge against the Digital Personal Data Protection Act’s recent amendments, which severely restrict transparency by exempting personal information from the Right to Information Act. This shift undermines public accountability and empowers the government to withhold critical details regarding officials and public safety, effectively silencing scrutiny. The legislation’s broad definition of data fiduciaries creates a chilling effect on journalists and activists, deterring the dissemination of vital public information. Furthermore, the centralization of authority in a government-controlled board raises fears of weaponizing penalties to suppress dissent, turning data protection mechanisms into tools for controlling political opposition and civil discourse. This case is crucial for the open data movement as it highlights the tension between privacy rights and the public’s right to access information. It demonstrates how regulatory frameworks can inadvertently stifle transparency, reinforcing the need for robust safeguards that balance privacy with the essential principles of open government and civic oversight.

Source: thehindu.com
Published on 2025-12-12

Civil society groups to mount legal challenge to parts of data protection law

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