IT Ministry Proposes Expanded Rules for Social Media Content and Influencers

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, proposing that individual users sharing news and current affairs online will now be regulated in a manner similar to publishers. This means content may be subject to deletion, modification, or even emergency blocking. Social media platforms must comply with any guidelines, advisories, or directions from MeitY or face potential legal consequences. The amendments also expand the powers of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB), allowing its Inter Disciplinary Committee (IDC) to handle not only complaints but a wider range of matters, giving authorities greater discretion in monitoring online content. The proposal comes amid a surge in takedowns on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, largely due to deepfake content. The draft also strengthens intermediary obligations, tying compliance with advisories to due diligence under Section 79 of the IT Act, and clarifies that platforms must retain user data for a minimum of 180 days. Experts have raised concerns that safeguards are limited, with judicial recourse being the only check, suggesting the amendments prioritise swift enforcement over considered governance. The draft is open for public consultation until April 14, 2026.