| Syllabus: GS- II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Legal Issues, Issue: Bills/Acts/Rules |
Context: Removal of ‘journalistic exemption’ In Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023,
Key concern due to removal of ‘journalistic exemption”:
- DPDP Act require journalists to obtain consent before using personal data for stories.
- This includes details like meetings held, travel records and family investments etc.
- The Act also allows MPs to request deletion of such stories even after publication.
- Government can demand information from data processors, potentially jeopardizing journalists’ confidentiality with sources. in short crisp sentences
The way ahead:
- Lack of transparency in law formulation calls for robust public consultation processes.
- DPDP Act allows government to exempt data processors from its provisions.
- can use this power to exempt journalistic entities, preserving free speech.
- Journalistic exemption should be a part of core law text for clarity and stability.
