“Impact of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 on Third-Party Information under the Right to Information Act, 2005: A Critical Analysis”

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act 2023) introduces a comprehensive digital data protection framework in India. This paper examines of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act, 2005) on the disclosure of third-party information. The RTI Act seeks to enhance transparency and accountability while allowing third-party access to information under certain conditions. The DPDP Act establishes strict consent and data processing regulations. The DPDP Act, 2023 aims to safeguard personal data and govern its processing to provide data protection, potentially limiting such disclosures. This paper examines the conflicts between the personal data protection established by the DPDP Act and the RTI Act, emphasizing critical clauses, legal interpretations, and practical issues. The DPDP Act enhances personal data protections but may unintentionally compromise transparency by limiting access to third-party data: hence, it requires a coordinated strategy to balance these conflicting rights. The study concludes with suggestions for legislative clarity and procedural mechanisms to ensure the effective coexistence of both laws within India’s developing digital landscape.