The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced draft amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021. These amendments aim to regulate online news and current affairs content while addressing concerns about overreach and censorship. The draft is open for public feedback until April 14, with a possibility of extension for wider participation.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, following a stakeholder consultation, reassured that the proposed changes do not intend to expand government authority or stifle dissent. He clarified that any actions taken would adhere to existing legal and constitutional provisions, dispelling fears of anti-government content removal.
The amendments focus on enhancing data and information retention requirements, ensuring better compliance with guidelines, providing clearer definitions of key terms, and refining the rules’ structure for increased effectiveness. One significant change involves clarifying the definition of “news and current affairs content” under Section 79(2)(c) of the IT Act to improve identification and regulation processes.
Proposed amendments suggest a shift in regulatory oversight, with some news content-related powers being shared with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. While MeitY will maintain overall authority, this move aims to establish a clearer division of responsibilities between ministries. Additionally, the expansion of Part III of the rules to cover non-registered digital content creators alongside registered news publishers is proposed to broaden the regulatory scope and introduce necessary checks and balances.
Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of intermediaries, the scope of “news and current affairs content,” and the adequacy of safeguards against misuse under the revised rules. The government is expected to consider stakeholder feedback before finalizing the amendments, which could significantly impact India’s digital news landscape.
