No more arbitrariness on social media! Government tightened its grip on Facebook-Instagram and OTT with new rules

Digital Security India: The Central Government has imposed strict accountability on social media and OTT platforms to prevent obscenity, misinformation and cyber crimes. The government has a clear focus on creating a safe, reliable and accountable internet, especially keeping in mind the online safety of women and children. Now the legal noose on digital platforms has been further tightened under the IT Act 2000, IT Rules 2021 and the Indian Judicial Code. The government has clearly indicated that strict action will be taken against those who ignore the rules.

Open and Safe Internet is the priority of the government

The government says its policies are aimed at creating an open, safe and trusted internet ecosystem in India. In this, it will be ensured that no illegal, obscene or misleading content is broadcasted on online platforms. Strict steps have been taken at both legal and administrative levels to protect women and children from harm in the digital space.

Strict monitoring from IT Act 2000 and IT Rules 2021

The responsibilities of social media and digital platforms have been fixed under the IT Act 2000 and IT Rules 2021. These laws have provisions for punishment for obscene content, privacy violations and cyber crimes. Police and investigative agencies have been given powers to investigate, search and even arrest, so that online crimes can be taken swiftly.

Illegal content will have to be removed within stipulated time

According to the IT Rules 2021, it is now mandatory to remove illegal content within the stipulated time on the orders of the court or the government. Content related to privacy violation, fake identity or nudity will have to be removed within 24 hours. Every digital platform is required to appoint a Grievance Officer, who will resolve the complaint within 72 hours. If there is no solution, the user can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee.

Additional responsibility on Facebook, Instagram and X

Social media platforms which have more than 50 lakh users in India have been considered as Significant Social Media Intermediaries. Such platforms will have to appoint local officers in India, issue regular compliance reports and cooperate with investigating agencies. In serious cases, help will also have to be provided in tracing the identity of the person sending the message.

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Strictness on OTT Platforms also

Code of Ethics has been implemented on OTT platforms under Part-III of IT Rules 2021. The platform can be blocked in India if it shows content that is against the law. The government has so far blocked 43 OTT platforms on charges of obscene content, which clearly shows that surveillance on this sector is also continuously increasing.