The draft of the digital data protection bill recommends putting an end to the 8.1(j) section of the RTI act, which allows the information commissioner to determine if the personal information about the administration officials can be released in public interest. Through this amendment, put forth by the central government, the privacy of individuals will be protected.
The government in 2019 amended the act’s provisions concerning the appointment and salaries of the information commissioners by giving itself powers to determine term and salaries. Under the RTI, information about an individual can be shared following an RTI application. Information about government employees too can be shared on grounds of serving public interest. Specifying reasons for how the data will serve public interest. Experts say this order brings in consistency, but it can give cover to corrupt officials as well. Shailesh Gandhi, an RTI activist said this attempt will weaken information law. Gandhi described section 8.1(J) as ‘well crafted’ for the people. As a consequence section 43, A of the IT act will be deleted as it would be covered in the new proposed law.
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