The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) plans to prolong the period for public input on its proposed updates to the IT Rules, which grant authority to remove social media content concerning news and current events.
The ministry released the draft on March 30, allowing stakeholders 15 days for feedback, with the deadline originally set for April 14.
In explaining the proposal’s purpose, MeitY stated, “We have simply provided a clarification that enables the MIB (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) to determine content associated with news and current affairs.”
The ministry also noted that this decision came after the industry requested clarity regarding advisory statuses. “Industry has sought clarity on whether the advisories must be adhered to; we have clarified through regulations that adherence is now required,” it mentioned.
This development follows discussions with various stakeholders, such as social media firms and think tanks. MeitY has already conducted meetings to collect opinions on the suggested alterations.
The ministry is also evaluating modifications to the draft rules, including procedural safeguards, the definition of social media platforms’ roles, and the prospect of public consultation prior to the issuance of advisories.
Also read: Draft IT amendments risk over-censorship, over-compliance, say experts
Earlier this year, the government included AI-generated content under the jurisdiction of India’s IT Rules, imposing strict compliance obligations on platforms. “Synthetic media,” referring to content that mimics real individuals or events, is now required to carry prominent, non-removable labels with traceable identifiers.
Platforms must authenticate user disclosures regarding AI content and cannot permit the removal of such labels.
In addition, takedown deadlines have been significantly shortened—unlawful content is required to be removed within three hours, while non-consensual intimate imagery must be deleted within two hours.
