India’s Media Giants Push Back on Privacy Law Threatening Investigative Journalism

Major Indian news organizations, including those owned by billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani—both seen as close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi—are raising alarms over a proposed data protection law. They argue the legislation could severely hamper investigative reporting by imposing stringent restrictions on how journalists access and use personal data. The law, currently under review, would require explicit consent for data processing, with limited exemptions for journalism, potentially exposing reporters to legal risks and chilling critical coverage. Media groups contend that without broader safeguards, exposing corruption and holding power to account will become nearly impossible. While the government says the law is needed to protect citizens’ privacy in the digital age, press freedom advocates warn it could be weaponized to silence dissent. The standoff highlights the delicate balance between privacy rights and the public’s right to know. As India drafts its first comprehensive privacy framework, the outcome will shape the future of independent journalism in the world’s largest democracy.