In brief
India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has proposed amendments to its IT rules to regulate social media content, targeting influencers and ordinary users who share news-related posts. Critics argue this move could enhance government control over online expressions, threatening freedom of speech and leading to increased self-censorship among content creators. Activists warn that existing issues with misinformation and hate speech persist, with the government's focus raising doubts about its intentions towards genuine democratic discourse.
The Indian government has proposed changes to extend its regulatory framework to a wider range of online news voices, including influencers and podcasters on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and X.
Last week, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) suggested amendments to India's IT rules - which govern digital media content - to include 'users who are not publishers' who share content related to 'news and current affairs' within a 'code of ethics' it currently applies to registered news publishers.
Experts say this will potentially give the government more power over news-related posts shared by ordinary users, including independent journalists and podcasters.
The government has proposed requiring social media platforms to follow orders and guidelines if they want to keep 'safe harbour' protection - legal immunity from liability for content posted by users.
The proposed amendments have alarmed digital rights activists and independent news creators, who say they could enforce near-total compliance with state-led censorship on social media platforms. They also warn the rules could be misused to target critics and clamp down on dissent.
The government says the amendments will strengthen existing IT rules and curb fake news, hate speech and deepfakes, and has invited public feedback by 14 April.
But critics remain sceptical of the government's stated intentions. Akash Banerjee, who runs the YouTube channel The Deshbhakt with more than six million subscribers, says the rules could create a climate of fear, pushing many creators toward self-censorship.
Interestingly, despite the many laws regulating online content, hate speech and fake news haven't reduced in the country. Meanwhile, posts that are critical of the government - even if they're satirical - are increasingly being blocked or removed.
The authorities reject the charge.
But last month, X blocked about a dozen accounts, many known for satirical posts about the government, acting on orders issued under Section 69A of India's IT Act.
Critics argue that the amendments, instead of addressing the root problems of misinformation, may further entrench the government's oversight in the online sphere, stifling dissenting voices under the guise of regulation.
