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Daily Briefing19 March 2026

DPDP Daily Brief — DPDP Act Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny Amidst Global Privacy Debates

By AI Editor5 min read

Top Story

Supreme Court Puts DPDP Act Under Constitutional Scrutiny, Highlights Privacy and Press Freedom Concerns

Today's Headlines

1. Consent: The Foundation Of Digital Data Protection - Live Law

Source: Google News DPDP | Read Original →

This article reiterates the critical importance of valid consent under the DPDP Act, outlining the stringent requirements for Data Fiduciaries to obtain explicit, informed, and unambiguous permission from Data Principals. It serves as a vital reminder that robust consent mechanisms, as mandated by Section 6 (Valid Consent) and Section 7 (Legitimate Uses), are non-negotiable for lawful data processing. Businesses must prioritize clear consent requests and ensure easy withdrawal options to mitigate compliance risks.

2. Mint Explainer | What Instagram’s encryption rollback means for the privacy–safety debate

Source: Livemint Tech | Read Original → Meta's Instagram has reportedly scaled back its plans for end-to-end encryption, reigniting the global debate between user privacy and law enforcement demands for data access. While an international development, this move underscores the increasing pressure on tech companies to balance security with governmental access, a trend that could influence future regulatory interpretations and demands on Indian businesses concerning data decryption and information sharing, potentially intersecting with Section 17(2)(a) of the DPDP Act which allows exemptions for law enforcement.

3. Data is real, true wealth: SC issues notice in yet another plea challenging DPDP Act; highlights privacy concerns - SabrangIndia

Source: Google News DPDP | Read Original →

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government in response to fresh petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the DPDP Act 2023. This plea, like others, expresses apprehension about potential infringements on the fundamental right to privacy, particularly concerning the broad powers granted to the state for data processing and exemptions for government entities. The Court's acknowledgment signifies ongoing legal scrutiny that could shape the Act's implementation and interpretation, especially regarding Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

4. SC notice to government on DPDP Act challenge shines spotlight on privacy, press freedom - Moneycontrol.com

Source: Google News DPDP | Read Original →

In a related development, the Supreme Court's notice to the government on the DPDP Act challenge explicitly brings into focus concerns surrounding press freedom and its intersection with privacy regulations. Petitioners argue that certain provisions of the Act could inadvertently enable surveillance or impede journalistic activities, potentially impacting the protection of sources and free speech. This emphasizes the need for careful consideration of how the Act's exemptions, particularly under Section 17, might affect various sectors.

5. Supreme Court seeks Centre reply on DPDP Act plea over privacy concerns - Storyboard18

Source: Google News DPDP | Read Original →

Further solidifying the judicial spotlight on the new data protection law, the Supreme Court has again sought a response from the Centre regarding a plea challenging the DPDP Act on grounds of inherent privacy concerns. This collective action from multiple petitioners and the consistent issuance of notices by the apex court highlight the significant constitutional questions still pending about the Act's scope and potential ramifications for individual rights and freedoms, necessitating close monitoring by all stakeholders.

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