IT rules may cover social media news

NEW DELHI: The Centre has moved to extend its digital media rules to news and current affairs content shared by non-publisher users on social media platforms, proposing changes that expand the reach of Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, beyond registered publishers.

In draft amendments issued on March 30, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has invited stakeholder comments till April 14, signalling a move to strengthen compliance requirements for intermediaries and expand oversight of online content.

A key proposal seeks to make it clear that Part III of the Rules — applicable to digital news publishers — will also apply to “news and current affairs content” shared on social media by users who are not registered publishers.

While the draft itself focuses on clarifying applicability and strengthening oversight mechanisms, officials indicated the framework could enable action on such content through the existing grievance redress process overseen by the Inter-Departmental Committee, though the draft does not spell out specific actions.

It also proposes changes under Part II, including the insertion of a new Rule 3(4), which requires intermediaries to follow government-issued advisories, directives and guidelines as part of their legal responsibilities under Section 79 of the IT Act. It further states that platforms must retain user data as required under the Rules.

The draft also expands the role of the Inter-Departmental Committee under Rule 14, allowing it to examine not only complaints from users but also cases referred directly by the government.

The ministry, in its notice, said the amendments were intended to ensure “an Open, Safe, Trusted and Accountable Internet” and to “strengthen compliance with clarifications, advisories and directions issued by the ministry”, while improving how digital content is regulated.

Governement has described the proposed changes as “clarificatory and procedural”, aimed at furthering legal certainty and strengthening the enforceability of its directives.
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