← 2 October 2026's Current Affairs · Polity GA Prelims ★★★★★ Mains ★★★☆☆
RTI Section 8(1)(j) Narrowed by the Data Protection Act
સમાચારમાં કેમ?
One clause now shields personal information: RTI Section 8(1)(j) after the DPDP Act, a GS-II Polity staple
The Data Protection Act's change to RTI's personal-information exemption faces challenge.
Why it matters: asked in UPSC 2018; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 મિનિટ
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 amends Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the clause that exempts personal information from disclosure.
Earlier the exemption applied only where the information had no link to public activity or would invade privacy without public-interest justification.
Citizens and the media have begun challenging the change as a shift towards a right to deny information.
સ્રોત: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
મુખ્ય તથ્યો
Remember these
- The Right to Information Act, 2005 lists its exemptions from disclosure in Section 8(1).
- Section 8(1)(j) is the exemption for personal information.
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
- Earlier, the exemption applied only if the information had no link to public activity or would invade privacy without public-interest justification.
- Citizens and the media are challenging the change as a shift towards a right to deny information.
પ્રિલિમ્સ · મેઇન્સ
How the exam will ask it
પ્રિલિમ્સ
- Statement: Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005 is the clause exempting personal information from disclosure.
- Statement: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 amended Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
- Statement: Before the amendment, the exemption applied only where the information had no relationship to public activity or would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy without public-interest justification.
મેઇન્સ
GS-II Polity (transparency and accountability): the issue is the tension between the right to information and the right to privacy. The DPDP Act, 2023 amended RTI Section 8(1)(j), narrowing the earlier public-interest-based test for disclosure of personal information, and critics fear a right to deny information. A way forward is to restore a clear public-interest override and define 'personal information' narrowly so that accountability of public officials is not diluted.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
Consider the following statements:
- 'Right to Privacy' is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution
- In digital economy, privacy of an individual is subject to a reasonable restriction that can be imposed by the state
- The Parliament is empowered to make laws for implementing directive principles of state policy
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
જવાબ જુઓ
જવાબ: D
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
Practise this PYQ →Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, as amended by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, exempts from disclosure:
- information affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India
- papers of the Union Cabinet before a decision is taken
- personal information of an individual
- information received in confidence from a foreign government
જવાબ જુઓ
જવાબ: C — Correct: personal information of an individual — Section 8(1)(j) is the personal-information exemption, which the Data Protection Act amended to widen it. • information affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India — wrong: Sovereignty and integrity is exempted under Section 8(1)(a), not under clause (j). • papers of the Union Cabinet before a decision is taken — wrong: Cabinet papers are covered by Section 8(1)(i), a different clause from (j). • information received in confidence from a foreign government — wrong: Information received in confidence from a foreign government falls under Section 8(1)(f).
Convert this topic into marks
Today's 10-MCQ test · instant analysis · Powered by AdaptIQ