New Delhi: The Central government has invited public comments on draft amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, proposing stricter compliance obligations for digital intermediaries and expanded regulatory oversight of online content, including material published by influencers and individual users.
In a notification dated March 30, 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the proposed changes are aimed at strengthening an “Open, Safe, Trusted and Accountable Internet” and improving the enforceability of government directions issued under the existing framework.
While the rules primarily govern digital intermediaries such as social media platforms, the amendments significantly broaden compliance expectations for content creators, influencers, and users who publish news, commentary, AI-generated material, or other public-facing content online.
Stricter Compliance on User-Generated Content
Under the draft amendments, intermediaries will be required to ensure that users, including influencers, do not upload or disseminate content that violates applicable laws. Platforms will also be obligated to clearly inform users—through terms of service, privacy policies, and user agreements—about restrictions on unlawful, misleading, or harmful content.
Users may face enforcement action for publishing material that is false or deceptive, infringes intellectual property rights, endangers children, threatens public order, or violates any existing law. Platforms will also be required to periodically remind users of these obligations and the consequences of non-compliance, including suspension or termination of accounts.
The draft further notes that users may be held legally accountable under provisions of applicable statutes, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
New Rules for AI-Generated Content
A key feature of the proposed amendments is the introduction of a regulatory framework for “synthetically generated information”—defined as audio, visual, or audio-visual content created or altered using digital tools in a manner that makes it appear authentic.
Influencers and creators using artificial intelligence tools may be required to clearly label such content as AI-generated or digitally modified. Intermediaries will also be expected to deploy technical measures to prevent the circulation of AI-generated material that violates legal provisions, including content that misrepresents real individuals or events.
The draft mandates visible disclosure or embedded metadata indicating synthetic origin, with safeguards ensuring that such labels cannot be removed or altered once applied.
Faster Takedown Mechanism for Illegal Content
The amendments propose significantly reduced timelines for removal of unlawful content. Upon receiving valid legal orders or government notifications, intermediaries must act without delay.
Certain categories of content, including material involving nudity, impersonation, or sexually explicit depictions, may be required to be removed within two hours of receiving a complaint. Content affecting sovereignty, public order, or national security concerns may need to be taken down within three hours of official notice.
Platforms will also be required to preserve removed content and related user data for at least 180 days to facilitate investigations.
Expanded Scope for News and Public Affairs Content
The draft clarifies that provisions relating to the Code of Ethics for digital media may extend to user-generated content, including posts by influencers, where such material is deemed to constitute news or current affairs in substance.
This provision could bring a wider range of public-facing commentary and analysis under regulatory scrutiny, subject to directions issued by authorised government bodies.
Strengthened Grievance Redressal Framework
The proposed rules strengthen grievance mechanisms by requiring intermediaries to acknowledge user complaints within 24 hours and resolve them within seven days in most cases.
Users will also have the option to appeal platform decisions before government-established Grievance Appellate Committees. Influencers whose content is removed or restricted may challenge such actions through these mechanisms.
Increased Government Oversight
A new provision requires intermediaries to comply with government-issued advisories, clarifications, directions, and standard operating procedures relating to implementation of the rules. This compliance will form part of due diligence obligations under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which governs intermediary liability and safe harbour protections.
Public Consultation Open Until April 14
The Ministry has invited stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft amendments in a rule-wise format by April 14, 2026. Submissions may be made via email in Word or PDF format and will be treated confidentially to encourage wider participation.
The proposed changes aim to further define intermediary responsibilities, strengthen regulatory oversight, and introduce safeguards for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which increasingly shape online content creation and distribution.
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