Centre Plans to Amend IT Act’s Safe Harbour Clause Amid Fake News Concerns

In response to rising concerns over fake news, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre plans to revise the “safe harbour” clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, which currently shields intermediary platforms from liability for user-generated content.

In a note to a parliamentary panel, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urged platforms to improve due diligence and self-regulation

The government also seeks to give legal backing to the PIB’s Fact Check Unit, which counters misinformation.

Meanwhile, a special leave petition is being prepared to challenge a Bombay High Court verdict limiting the unit’s authority.