The Indian government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. According to an official release by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT), this rule has been framed in exercise of powers under section 87 (2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and in supersession of the…
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Fake news is a big concern, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Highlighting that the government welcomes criticism and the right to dissent, Law and Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that the Centre is concerned over rampant abuse of platform as he laid down new rules for social media and OTT platforms.
Social media platforms must have provision for voluntary verification of users, Prasad said, adding that media freedom absolute but with responsible behaviour. Fake news a big concern, he said.
The government said OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video) would have to self-classify the content into five age-based categories - U (Universal), U/A 7+ (years), U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).
Highlights
As per the new rules, social media intermediaries have to appoint a grievance officer, who shall register complaints in 24 hours.
The grievance redressal official must be resident in India, and monthly compliance reports will have to be filed by social media platforms.
The Centre on Thursday announced new rules to curb misuse of social media platforms, amidst growing concerns around lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users related to these platforms. It mandated firms to appoint grievance officer, disclose the first originator of the mischievous information and remove, within 24 hours, content depicting nudity or morphed pictures of women.
Terming the guidelines as soft touch regulations, the government said there was an urgent need to address rising user grievances related to social media, OTT platforms and online news platforms
Government notifies rules to regulate social media and streaming platforms
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The new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 was finalised by the MEITy and MIB.
The Government of India has finalised the rules to regulate social media and streaming platforms in the country. The new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) has been jointly finalized by the Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The government mentioned the rules as a âharmonious, soft-touch oversight mechanism.â
Guidelines Related to Social Media to Be Administered by Ministry of Electronics and IT: