IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that journalists and newsrooms fall outside the definition of “data fiduciary” in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, meaning the law’s consent, breach‑reporting and erasure obligations do not bind the press. The press is cleared. Government officials added that the definition remains “clear” and “proper,” covering banks, insurers and e‑commerce firms but excluding media entities.
We have always said we are very open‑minded on this. Whatever action is needed, we will take it.
Senior Ministry Official
The senior official said the government remains ready to act if an amendment is required to safeguard journalistic work. Sources emphasized that the exemption is built into the Act’s wording, not a policy afterthought.
Last month, Vaishnaw rebuffed concerns that the DPDP law could curb investigative reporting, invoking the Constitution’s guarantee of press freedom. Media houses, however, warned that the absence of an explicit carve‑out could jeopardise source protection and data retention for public‑interest stories.
The ministry has invited editors and media professionals to submit detailed feedback, with a draft amendment expected to be tabled in Parliament before the next session. Why It Matters: Clarifying the exemption prevents potential legal battles that could stall investigative journalism and preserve confidential sources.
The next step is a formal consultation round slated for early December, after which the government will decide whether to codify the exemption through legislative amendment.