Centre Proposes IT Rules Amendment to Enable Blocking of Independent News Creators

The draft amendments permit the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to recommend issuing blocking orders and requiring creators to apologise or make changes to the content if they are found guilty of grievances received by an inter-departmental committee. The proposal outlines a strengthened oversight mechanism, placing greater authority in the hands of administrative bodies.

The amendments also expand the role of the inter-departmental committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the rules, empowering it to scrutinise content even without a complaint and to deal with matters referred to it by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This provision marks a notable shift in regulatory scope, enabling proactive monitoring and intervention in digital content.

Additionally, the draft amendments note that any advisories to social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and X by the ministry would, if not complied with, affect their safe harbour provision under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act. This clause introduces potential liability implications for platforms, reinforcing complian

ce expectations.

The draft has drawn sharp criticism from the Internet Freedom Foundation, which described it as a “massive expansion of unconstitutional censorship and regulatory power.” The development underscores an intensifying debate over digital governance, content regulation, and the balance between state authority and independent media expression in India