In a bold move, India has enacted new rules requiring social media companies to eliminate unlawful content within three hours of a government notification. This significant change trims the previous deadline from 36 hours, raising concerns about potential censorship and the impact on freedom of expression in the world’s largest democracy, which boasts over a billion internet users.
The updated guidelines are set to take effect on 20 February and will apply to major social media platforms including Meta, YouTube, and X, as well as any AI-generated content. While the government has provided no public reasoning for this expedited takedown requirement, critics speculate that it may signal a broader crackdown on online content regulation.
Digital rights advocates have expressed concern that the reduced timeframe will compel platforms to resort to automation for compliance, which could lead to over-removal of content without adequate human oversight. The Internet Freedom Foundation warned that such a brief window for takedown could result in platforms acting as rapid fire censors, greatly limiting the scope for fair review of questionable content.
Analysts have described these reforms as some of the most stringent regulations in democracies worldwide, suggesting that compliance may necessitate extensive automation practices. Complaints abound regarding the feasibility of implementing these measures effectively without compromising user rights and transparency.
As India continues to navigate the delicate balance between national security, public order, and digital rights, many are left questioning whether these measures serve to protect citizens or stifle free expression. The BBC has reached out for further comment on the repercussions of these new regulations from both the Indian government and major tech corporations impacted by these changes.
