The government of India frames new stricter rules to curb online content

On Thursday, the Government of India announces new guidelines for digital streaming websites and social media platforms to make them more responsible for the online material they share. 

The OTT platforms and digital news organizations will currently have to adhere to the broad content rules implied for TV and print media, while social media mediators will require set up a complaint redressal system to resolve users’ grievances. 

According to the new standards Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Both OTT and digital new media will likewise have to set up a complaint redressal system to address specific complaints regarding the content. Moreover, it will enable the I&B secretary to order blocking content if there is any grievance reported. 

Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that “the new guidelines were a delicate touch progressive institutional tool needed for protecting the sovereignty and security of India, and curb abuse, rape or any other explicit material found in the content.” 

The new regulations additionally require social media platforms to select what the authority calls chief compliance and complaint officer to deal with grievances from law enforcement offices. These officials ought to be citizens of India and will have to send a monthly report to the Government of India.

As per AP News, Social media messaging should likewise reveal the original source of the content to the Government. It is not clear if this would involve apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.

The guidelines additionally require a three-level mechanism and complaint redressal system for OTT programs like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. It would require them to self-classify their online content into five categories depending on the suitability of age.