Online Platforms May Face Action Even Without User Complaints as Govt. Proposes changes to 2021 IT Rules

The Central government has proposed draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 to increase oversight over online news and current affairs content.

The changes expand the Code of Ethics to cover not only publishers but also intermediaries and users who share such content. Authorities may examine and act on content even without receiving any complaint.

The proposal also requires platforms to follow directions, advisories, and guidelines issued by the government, linking compliance to their legal protection.

These amendments aim to strengthen enforcement and bring user-generated news content under a broader regulatory framework.