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{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}} | {{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}} | ||
The '''Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021''' is [[Primary and secondary legislation|secondary or subordinate legislation]] that suppresses [[India]]'s Intermediary Guidelines Rules 2011.{{Efn|The IT Act elaborates that intermediaries must observe due diligence while discharging their duties, and also observe such other guidelines as prescribed by the Central Government. Accordingly, the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 came into being.|name=|group=}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-announces-new-social-media-rules/article33931290.ece|title=Indian govt announces new social media(IT) rules, 2021|website=thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Foundation|first=Internet Freedom|date=27 February 2021|title=Explainer: Why India's new rules for social media, news sites are anti-democratic, unconstitutional|url=https://scroll.in/article/988105/explainer-how-indias-new-digital-media-rules-are-anti-democratic-and-unconstitutional | The '''Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021''' is [[Primary and secondary legislation|secondary or subordinate legislation]] that suppresses [[India]]'s Intermediary Guidelines Rules 2011.{{Efn|The IT Act elaborates that intermediaries must observe due diligence while discharging their duties, and also observe such other guidelines as prescribed by the Central Government. Accordingly, the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 came into being.|name=|group=}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-announces-new-social-media-rules/article33931290.ece|title=Indian govt announces new social media(IT) rules, 2021|website=thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Foundation|first=Internet Freedom|date=27 February 2021|title=Explainer: Why India's new rules for social media, news sites are anti-democratic, unconstitutional|url=https://scroll.in/article/988105/explainer-how-indias-new-digital-media-rules-are-anti-democratic-and-unconstitutional|access-date=2021-03-02|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref> The 2021 rules have stemmed from section 87 of the [[Information Technology Act, 2000]] and are a combination of the draft Intermediaries Rules, 2018 and the [[Over-the-top media service|OTT]] Regulation and Code of Ethics for Digital Media.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-25|title=Latest Draft Intermediary Rules: Fixing big tech, by breaking our digital rights?|url=https://internetfreedom.in/latest-draft-intermediary-rules-fixing-big-tech-by-breaking-our-digital-rights/|access-date=2021-03-02|website=Internet Freedom Foundation}}</ref><ref>[https://meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Draft_Intermediary_Amendment_24122018.pdf <nowiki>The Information Technology [Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018</nowiki>]. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 February 2021|title=Analysis of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021|url=https://sflc.in/analysis-information-technology-intermediary-guidelines-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021|access-date=2021-03-09|website=SFLC.in|language=en}}</ref> | ||
The [[Central Government of India]] along with the [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] (MeitY) and the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] (MIB) have coordinated in the development of the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dalmia|first=Vijay Pal|date=4 March 2021|title=Information Technology (Guidelines For Intermediaries And Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021|url=https://www.mondaq.com/india/social-media/1042586/information-technology-guidelines-for-intermediaries-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021 | The [[Central Government of India]] along with the [[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]] (MeitY) and the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] (MIB) have coordinated in the development of the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dalmia|first=Vijay Pal|date=4 March 2021|title=Information Technology (Guidelines For Intermediaries And Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021|url=https://www.mondaq.com/india/social-media/1042586/information-technology-guidelines-for-intermediaries-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021|access-date=2021-03-05|website=www.mondaq.com}}</ref> | ||
Intermediaries had until 25 May 2021 to comply with the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 May 2021|title=WhatsApp moves Delhi High Court against IT Intermediary Rules 2021 mandating it to trace first originator of information|url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/whatsapp-moves-delhi-high-court-against-it-intermediary-rules-2021-trace-originator-information | Intermediaries had until 25 May 2021 to comply with the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 May 2021|title=WhatsApp moves Delhi High Court against IT Intermediary Rules 2021 mandating it to trace first originator of information|url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/whatsapp-moves-delhi-high-court-against-it-intermediary-rules-2021-trace-originator-information|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Bar and Bench|language=en}}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
During Monsoon session of the [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] in 2018 a [[Motion (parliamentary procedure)|motion]] on “Misuse of social media platforms and spreading of fake news” was admitted. The [[ | During Monsoon session of the [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] in 2018 a [[Motion (parliamentary procedure)|motion]] on “Misuse of social media platforms and spreading of fake news” was admitted. The [[Then Minister of Electronics and Information Technology]], accordingly made a detailed statement of the "resolve of the Government to strengthen the legal framework and make the social media platforms accountable under the law". MeitY then prepared the draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2018 to replace the 2011 rules.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Comments / suggestions invited on Draft of "The Information Technology [Intermediary Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018|url=https://meity.gov.in/content/comments-suggestions-invited-draft-%E2%80%9C-information-technology-intermediary-guidelines|website=Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India}}</ref> The [[Information Technology Act, 2000]] provided that intermediaries are protected liabilities in some cases.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Analysis Of The Information Technology [Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018 - Media, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment - India|url=http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/794624/Social+Media/Analysis+Of+The+Information+Technology+Intermediaries+Guidelines+Amendment+Rules+2018|access-date=2020-01-04|website=www.mondaq.com}}</ref> The draft 2018 Rules sought to elaborate the liabilities and responsibilities of the intermediaries in a better way.<ref name=":2" /> Further the draft Rules have been made "in order to prevent spreading of fake news, curb obscene information on the internet, prevent misuse of social-media platforms and to provide security to the users."<ref name=":2" /> The move followed a notice issued to [[WhatsApp]] in July 2018, warning it against helping to spread fake news and look on as a "mute spectator".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Sonkar|first1=Siddharth|last2=Tarafder|first2=Agnidipto|date=2018-12-26|title=Unclear understanding of 'unlawful content' may end up curbing free speech|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/unclear-understanding-of-unlawful-content-may-end-up-curbing-free-speech-118122600084_1.html|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
In relation to the [[Prajwala|Prajawala]] case, on 11 December 2018, the Supreme Court of India observed that "the Government of India may frame the necessary Guidelines / SOP and implement them within two weeks so as to eliminate child pornography, rape and gang rape imageries, videos and sites in content hosting platforms and other applications." Further a parliamentary report laid in 2020 studied the effect of pornography on children.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=25 February 2021|others=Ministry of Electronics & IT|title=Government notifies Information Technology (IntermediaryGuidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1700749 | In relation to the [[Prajwala|Prajawala]] case, on 11 December 2018, the Supreme Court of India observed that "the Government of India may frame the necessary Guidelines / SOP and implement them within two weeks so as to eliminate child pornography, rape and gang rape imageries, videos and sites in content hosting platforms and other applications." Further a parliamentary report laid in 2020 studied the effect of pornography on children.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=25 February 2021|others=Ministry of Electronics & IT|title=Government notifies Information Technology (IntermediaryGuidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1700749|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Prajwala Letter Suo Moto Writ Petition (CRL) No(s). 3/2015|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/80437106/|website=Indian Kanoon}}</ref> | ||
On 5 January 2019 a government open house was held to discuss the Rules.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-01-02|title=Government to hold open house on intermediary guidelines on January 5; publish comments online|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-to-hold-open-house-on-intermediary-guidelines-on-january-5-publish-comments-online/articleshow/67351763.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> Further, ten days were given for counter comments, until 28 January.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Legal 'hole' in online draft|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/legal-hole-in-online-draft/cid/1680810|access-date=2020-01-04|website=Telegraph India|language=en}}</ref> On 21 September 2019 the Centre informed the [[Madras High Court]] bench under Justice [[M Sathyanarayanan]] that deliberations on the Draft Rules 2018 had been completed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=S|first=Mohamed Imranullah|date=2019-09-21|title=Draft rules to regulate social media ready: Government|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/draft-rules-to-regulate-social-media-ready-government/article29472398.ece|access-date=2020-01-04|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Facebook]] wrote a plea to transfer the matter to the [[Supreme court|Supreme Court]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=T.|first=Prashant Reddy|date=28 December 2018|title=Liability, Not Encryption, Is What India's New Intermediary Regulations Are Trying to Fix|url=https://thewire.in/government/liability-not-encryption-is-what-indias-new-intermediary-regulations-are-trying-to-fix|access-date=2020-01-04|website=The Wire|quote=Author is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, New Delhi.}}</ref> | On 5 January 2019 a government open house was held to discuss the Rules.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-01-02|title=Government to hold open house on intermediary guidelines on January 5; publish comments online|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-to-hold-open-house-on-intermediary-guidelines-on-january-5-publish-comments-online/articleshow/67351763.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref> Further, ten days were given for counter comments, until 28 January.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Legal 'hole' in online draft|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/legal-hole-in-online-draft/cid/1680810|access-date=2020-01-04|website=Telegraph India|language=en}}</ref> On 21 September 2019 the Centre informed the [[Madras High Court]] bench under Justice [[M Sathyanarayanan]] that deliberations on the Draft Rules 2018 had been completed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=S|first=Mohamed Imranullah|date=2019-09-21|title=Draft rules to regulate social media ready: Government|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/draft-rules-to-regulate-social-media-ready-government/article29472398.ece|access-date=2020-01-04|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Facebook]] wrote a plea to transfer the matter to the [[Supreme court|Supreme Court]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=T.|first=Prashant Reddy|date=28 December 2018|title=Liability, Not Encryption, Is What India's New Intermediary Regulations Are Trying to Fix|url=https://thewire.in/government/liability-not-encryption-is-what-indias-new-intermediary-regulations-are-trying-to-fix|access-date=2020-01-04|website=The Wire|quote=Author is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, New Delhi.}}</ref> | ||
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=== Tracking the origin of information === | === Tracking the origin of information === | ||
Rule | Rule 4(2) covers the "identification of the first originator of the information". The extent of the first originator is limited to India— "Provided further that where the first originator of any information on the computer resource of an intermediary is located outside the territory of India, the first originator of that information within the territory of India shall be deemed to be the first originator of the information."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=25 February 2021|title=Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/225464.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226232352/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/225464.pdf|archive-date=2021-02-26|url-status=live|website=The Gazette of India|publisher=Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology|via=archive.org}}</ref><ref name=":6">[https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/it-rules-2021--389746.pdf Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021] via LiveLaw.in. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210304073556/https://livelaw.in/pdf_upload/it-rules-2021--389746.pdf Archived] on 4 March 2021.</ref> | ||
=== Additional due diligence === | === Additional due diligence === | ||
Rule 4(a)(b)(c) of the guidelines require the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer, a nodal contact person and a Resident Grievance Officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aryan|first=Aashish|date=2021-05-25|title=Amid Twitter tussle, next up: deadline by govt to it, Facebook, to appoint officers|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-twitter-tussle-next-up-deadline-by-govt-to-it-facebook-to-appoint-officers/ | Rule 4 (1)(a),(b), & (c) of the guidelines require the appointment of a Chief Compliance Officer, a nodal contact person and a Resident Grievance Officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aryan|first=Aashish|date=2021-05-25|title=Amid Twitter tussle, next up: deadline by govt to it, Facebook, to appoint officers|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-twitter-tussle-next-up-deadline-by-govt-to-it-facebook-to-appoint-officers/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":6" /> | ||
== Concerns == | == Concerns == | ||
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== Aftermath == | == Aftermath == | ||
Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has called the rules as a "progressive institutional mechanism".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khare|first=Amit|author-link=Amit Khare|date=2021-03-08|title=Doubts about new IT rules are groundless|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/social-media-it-act-new-rules-modi-govt-control-digital-content-7218741/ | Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has called the rules as a "progressive institutional mechanism".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Khare|first=Amit|author-link=Amit Khare|date=2021-03-08|title=Doubts about new IT rules are groundless|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/social-media-it-act-new-rules-modi-govt-control-digital-content-7218741/|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> | ||
Immediately following the publication of the rules, a number of platforms advised creators of caution on the basis of the new rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=2021-03-08|title=OTTs tread cautiously, cancel shows|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/otts-tread-on-cautious-ground-axe-shows-11615188592226.html|access-date=2021-03-09|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Petitions have been filed challenging the rules with respect to the digital news media.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 March 2021|others=PTI|title=Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on plea challenging new IT Rules|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-hc-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-challenging-new-it-rules/articleshow/81408634.cms | Immediately following the publication of the rules, a number of platforms advised creators of caution on the basis of the new rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=2021-03-08|title=OTTs tread cautiously, cancel shows|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/otts-tread-on-cautious-ground-axe-shows-11615188592226.html|access-date=2021-03-09|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> Petitions have been filed challenging the rules with respect to the digital news media.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 March 2021|others=PTI|title=Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on plea challenging new IT Rules|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/delhi-hc-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-challenging-new-it-rules/articleshow/81408634.cms|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 March 2021|title=Delhi HC Issues Notice in The Wire's Challenge to New IT Rules|url=https://thewire.in/law/delhi-hc-notice-the-wire-petition-challenge-new-it-rules-mk-venu-dhanya-rajendran|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Wire}}</ref> | ||
The Foundation for Independent Journalism editor [[M. K. Venu]] ([[The Wire (India)|''The Wire'']]) and ''[[The News Minute]]'' editor [[Dhanya Rajendran]] filed the first case challenging the rules. ''[[LiveLaw]]'', [[The Quint | The Foundation for Independent Journalism editor [[M. K. Venu]] ([[The Wire (India)|''The Wire'']]) and ''[[The News Minute]]'' editor [[Dhanya Rajendran]] filed the first case challenging the rules. ''[[LiveLaw]]'', ''[[The Quint]]'' and ''[[Pratidhvani]]'' have challenged the rules in court.<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 March 2021|title=In another challenge to the new IT Rules 2021, Kannada News Portal 'Pratidhvani' files petition|url=https://www.latestlaws.com/latest-news/in-another-challenge-to-the-new-it-rules-2021-kannada-news-portal-pratidhvani-files-petition/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Latest Laws|language=en}}</ref> | ||
On 25 May 2021, the last day for intermediaries to comply, WhatsApp sued the Government of India over the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-26|others=Reuters|title=WhatsApp sues India govt, says new rules mean end to privacy: Report|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/whatsapp-sues-india-govt-says-new-rules-mean-end-to-privacy-report-11621998397369.html | On 25 May 2021, the last day for intermediaries to comply, WhatsApp sued the Government of India over the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-26|others=Reuters|title=WhatsApp sues India govt, says new rules mean end to privacy: Report|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/whatsapp-sues-india-govt-says-new-rules-mean-end-to-privacy-report-11621998397369.html|access-date=2021-05-26|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, described the action as "clear act of defiance".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhardwaj|first=Deeksha|date=2021-05-26|title=WhatsApp’s refusal to comply with new rules a clear act of defiance: Centre|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/whatsapps-refusal-to-comply-with-new-rules-a-clear-act-of-defiance-centre-101622035573915.html|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> | ||
After a statement made by Twitter, the government released a press statement which said, "Protecting free speech in India is not the prerogative of only a private, for-profit, foreign entity like Twitter, but it is the commitment of the world’s largest democracy and its robust institutions. Twitter’s statement is an attempt to dictate its terms to the world's largest democracy. Through its actions and deliberate defiance, Twitter seeks to undermine India's legal system. Furthermore, Twitter refuses to comply with those very regulations in the Intermediary Guidelines on the basis of which it is claiming a safe harbour protection from any criminal liability in India."<ref> {{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=Twitter seeking to undermine India's legal system, government says|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/twitter-seeking-to-undermine-indias-legal-system-government-says/articleshow/83005190.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-05-31}} </ref> On 5 July 2021, the government released a statement claiming Twitter has lost its liability protection concerning user-generated content. This was brought on by Twitter's failure to comply with the new rules with a filing stating that the company failed to appoint executives to govern user content on the platform.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2021 |title=Twitter loses immunity over user-generated content in India |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/twitter-loses-immunity-over-user-generated-content-india-2021-07-06/ |access-date=6 July 2021}} </ref> | After a statement made by Twitter, the government released a press statement which said, "Protecting free speech in India is not the prerogative of only a private, for-profit, foreign entity like Twitter, but it is the commitment of the world’s largest democracy and its robust institutions. Twitter’s statement is an attempt to dictate its terms to the world's largest democracy. Through its actions and deliberate defiance, Twitter seeks to undermine India's legal system. Furthermore, Twitter refuses to comply with those very regulations in the Intermediary Guidelines on the basis of which it is claiming a safe harbour protection from any criminal liability in India."<ref> {{Cite news|date=28 May 2021|title=Twitter seeking to undermine India's legal system, government says|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/twitter-seeking-to-undermine-indias-legal-system-government-says/articleshow/83005190.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-05-31}} </ref> On 5 July 2021, the government released a statement claiming Twitter has lost its liability protection concerning user-generated content. This was brought on by Twitter's failure to comply with the new rules with a filing stating that the company failed to appoint executives to govern user content on the platform.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2021 |title=Twitter loses immunity over user-generated content in India |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/twitter-loses-immunity-over-user-generated-content-india-2021-07-06/ |access-date=6 July 2021}} </ref> | ||
In July 2021, [[Press Trust of India | In July 2021, ''[[Press Trust of India]]'' moved the Delhi High Court over the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Suryam|first=Shagun|date=9 July 2021|title="Rules usher in an era of surveillance, fear:" Press Trust of India to Delhi High Court in challenge to Constitutional validity of IT Rules 2021|url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/press-trust-of-india-delhi-high-court-challenging-constitutional-validity-it-rules-2021|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Bar and Bench|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||