Government proposes expanded IT rules to regulate independent digital news content

The Union government of India has issued a draft amendment to the 2021 Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, which would extend regulatory oversight to independent news creators on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X. Under this proposal, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would have the authority to recommend blocking orders and require content corrections or apologies if a grievance is validated by an inter-departmental committee. Social media platforms failing to comply with such advisories could lose their safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, making them legally liable for user content. This amendment represents a significant shift from rules that previously applied mainly to professional media organisations. Advocacy group Internet Freedom Foundation has strongly criticised the proposal, calling it an expansion of unconstitutional censorship and regulatory power. They warn that it allows the ministry to issue binding instructions through clarifications, advisories, directions, SOPs, codes of practice, and guidelines that are not explicitly anchored in law. Public consultations for the draft amendments are open until April 14, and there are calls for the government to reconsider or withdraw the proposal due to its implications on digital rights, platform liability, and democratic accountability.