Published on 05 Feb 2025
Social media & Social Media Intermediary Act
The popularity of social media is increasing at a rapid pace that almost everyone across the world is getting connected with one another through this medium. The platform serves the beneficial function of spreading information of social and international importance to the public. On the other hand, it has also turned into a hub for fake news and misinformation which affects tolerance within the society, even leading to clashes.
To counter the spread of misinformation, the government introduced IT (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which aims to give more responsibility to the intermediaries to ensure the authenticity of the data being circulated through their platform.
Major provisions of The IT Rules, 2021
Removal of content: Any content which violates the dignity of a person, especially women, must be removed within 24 hours after a complaint is made.
Chief Compliance officer: Significant social media firms have to appoint a chief compliance officer and a nodal contact person.
Grievance officer: Social media platforms have to appoint a grievance officer who shall register the grievance within 24 hours and dispose of it in 15 days.
Monthly report: The social media firms must submit a monthly report about the number of complaints and the status of redressal.
Three levels of regulation: Self-regulation, a self-regulatory body, headed by a retired judge or an eminent person, and oversight from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, including codes of practices and a grievance committee.
Self-classification of content: The OTT platforms would be required to self-classify the content into 5 age-based categories: U, U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, A.
Issues associated with the rules
Restrictive: Grounds for restricting free speech are overboard and can be used as an effective means to curb government criticism.
Privacy concerns: Tracking the first originator of a message may adversely affect the privacy of individuals.
No procedural safeguards: There exist no procedural safeguards for requests by law enforcement agencies for information under the possession of intermediaries.
Revoking safe harbour mechanism: Intermediaries have raised concern regarding the unavailability of safe harbour protection if they fail to comply with the rules.
Though adequate restrictions must be imposed on social media it shall not be an effort by the government to stifle criticism and hinder free speech. The privacy of individuals must be respected and more protection shall be ensured for the intermediaries to ensure the smooth functioning of the social platforms.
Security
Cyber security
Social Media Intermediary Act
IT Rules
General Studies Paper 3
Cybersecurity