In a sharp critique of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday accused the government of undermining citizens' rights and eroding press freedom. Speaking at a press conference held by the INDIA alliance, Gogoi claimed the law was passed without adequate debate, especially at a time when the nation was focused on a no-confidence motion over the situation in Manipur.

“Digital Data Protection Act was passed, the entire country witnessed a no-confidence motion in Parliament in the year 2023 which was brought in the context of Manipur. Therefore, this important bill, which should have been deliberated and discussed upon, govt passed it,” Gogoi said.

He expressed concern that the Act, instead of safeguarding digital rights, has done the opposite — especially through its recent amendments. “The recent amendments have had a draconian impact on the rights of citizens and freedom of the press,” he added.

The INDIA bloc, which includes opposition parties like the Congress, AAP, DMK, and others, has filed a joint petition challenging the implications of the Act. Gogoi pointed out that a key concern raised in the petition is the Act’s adverse effect on the Right to Information Act (RTI).

“The most important thing is the Digital Data Protection Act devastated another act passed by Parliament, which is the Right to Information Act,” Gogoi stressed.

Opposition parties have long alleged that the Modi government has been weakening transparency and accountability mechanisms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which received presidential assent last year, has faced criticism for granting the government sweeping powers to exempt its agencies from compliance under the guise of “national security.”