Media groups, including Network18 and NDTV, have challenged India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, before the Supreme Court. The publishers argue that the law could restrict investigative journalism and threaten press freedom. The case highlights ongoing tensions between data protection and press freedom in India.
Publishers argue that the law fails to provide exemptions for journalistic activities. The law requires consent for publishing personal information, which media groups contend could lead to evidence destruction, witness intimidation, and allow the government to identify journalists' sources. Sujata Gupta of the DNPA stated: "We think it could have an impact on investigative journalism and compromise sources."
Exclusive: A group of 21 news publishers, including companies owned by billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, has challenged India's privacy law in court, arguing it would trample investigative work and let New Delhi identify journalists' sources https://t.co/GOCjcd0FAx
On October 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of India asked the government to respond to the challenge. Madhavi Goradia Divan, representing the concerns of the media, noted: "Newsrooms will shut down, if we have to ask for permission ... it’s then a complete regime of pre-censorship." She added: "We have to ask your permission if we report on you. How can that ever be? What is news otherwise?" The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on November 17.
Sujata Gupta of the DNPA stated: "We think it could have an impact on investigative journalism and compromise sources.