India Proposes New Rules to Regulate News and Political Posts on Social Media
The Indian government has proposed amendments to its IT rules to extend regulatory oversight to influencers, podcasters, and non-publisher users sharing news and current affairs content. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aims to enforce a code of ethics on these users, requiring social media platforms to comply with government orders to maintain safe harbor protection. While the government states the move targets fake news, hate speech, and deepfakes, digital rights activists and independent creators warn it could lead to mass censorship and suppress dissent. Recent incidents, including the blocking of satirical accounts on X without prior notice, have heightened concerns about the misuse of Section 69A of the IT Act. Critics argue these changes expand state control over online expression, potentially forcing self-censorship among journalists and ordinary citizens.
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India Proposes New Rules to Regulate News and Political Posts on Social Media
The Indian government has proposed amendments to its IT rules to extend regulatory oversight to influencers, podcasters, and non-publisher users sharing news and current affairs content. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aims to enforce a code of ethics on these users, requiring social media platforms to comply with government orders to maintain safe harbor protection. While the government states the move targets fake news, hate speech, and deepfakes, digital rights activists and independent creators warn it could lead to mass censorship and suppress dissent. Recent incidents, including the blocking of satirical accounts on X without prior notice, have heightened concerns about the misuse of Section 69A of the IT Act. Critics argue these changes expand state control over online expression, potentially forcing self-censorship among journalists and ordinary citizens.
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