Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the Digital Data Protection Act during a press conference organized by the INDIA alliance on April 10. Gogoi criticized the legislation for allegedly undermining the Right to Information (RTI) and restricting the press’s ability to hold power accountable. He accused the government of masking authoritarian tendencies behind the veil of digital reform and data privacy.
Gogoi stated that the Act, while appearing progressive on the surface, carries several provisions that could choke transparency. He pointed to the reduced scope of the RTI Act as one of the gravest setbacks for democratic governance. According to him, the Digital Data Protection Act empowers authorities to withhold information that was previously accessible under RTI. He alleged that this move marks a step backward for citizens who rely on the RTI framework to question decisions, expose corruption, and demand accountability.
He further claimed that the Act silences whistleblowers and journalists by limiting the data they can access in the public interest. Gogoi argued that press freedom in a democracy hinges on the free flow of information, and curbing that flow under the guise of data protection creates a dangerous environment for investigative journalism. He expressed concern that journalists who probe government inefficiencies or report on administrative failures may now find it harder to gather necessary documents due to stricter data access protocols.
During the press conference, Gogoi also emphasized that the Act concentrates too much power in the hands of the executive, especially in how it defines what qualifies as personal data and what exemptions apply. He said the government can arbitrarily decide which information deserves protection, which in turn could shield officials from scrutiny and weaken public trust. He added that the lack of an independent oversight mechanism opens the door to misuse of data laws and possible violations of civil liberties.
The Congress MP also criticized the lack of robust consultation during the Act’s drafting. He said the government failed to adequately engage with civil society, legal experts, journalists, and digital rights activists before pushing the law through Parliament. He accused the ruling party of exploiting its majority to pass legislation that has far-reaching consequences for democratic institutions without building consensus or incorporating constructive feedback.
Gogoi argued that data protection laws should protect citizens from exploitation, not protect governments from criticism. He reiterated that India needs a data protection framework, but not at the cost of transparency and democratic rights. He urged Parliament to revisit the legislation and called on opposition parties to demand amendments that restore the balance between privacy, accountability, and freedom of expression.
He warned that the Act could become a tool for censorship and intimidation, especially in a politically polarized environment. He asked whether future governments would use the same law to suppress dissent and erase uncomfortable truths. Gogoi said the INDIA alliance would continue to resist any law that weakens democratic institutions and erodes public participation.
He called on media organizations to remain vigilant and challenge any attempts to dilute press freedom. He said India’s democracy owes its resilience to a free press and an informed citizenry, and both face a threat under the current legal framework. He promised that Congress and its allies would continue to raise the issue in Parliament, in public forums, and through legal means if necessary.
