New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on Tuesday the introduction of draft revisions to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which aim to create a new framework for managing online news and current affairs content. This initiative seeks to alleviate worries regarding potential overreach and censorship.

The ministry has initiated a public consultation period for the draft, currently set to conclude on April 14, although officials have mentioned that this deadline may be extended to ensure broader engagement.

During a recent stakeholder consultation, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan aimed to dispel apprehensions that the new regulations would enhance the government's power or suppress dissent.

He characterized fears that the rules would facilitate the removal of anti-government material as a “myth,” assuring that any actions will stay within established legal and constitutional frameworks.

Krishnan outlined that the amendments are motivated by four primary goals: increased requirements for data and information retention, enhanced adherence to existing guidelines, clearer definitions of essential terms, and structural improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the rules.

A significant aspect of the proposed changes is the clarification of the term “news and current affairs content,” especially concerning Section 79(2)(c) of the IT Act, which pertains to intermediary liability. The goal of the updated framework is to eliminate ambiguity and provide greater clarity regarding the identification and regulation of such content.

The draft also suggests a measured adjustment in regulatory oversight, with certain powers related to news content being transferred to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. While MeitY will maintain overall authority, this change aims to establish a more distinctly defined division of responsibilities between ministries.

Another noteworthy proposal includes the expansion of Part III of the rules to encompass not only registered news publishers but also non-registered digital content creators. This expansion would significantly broaden the regulatory landscape, integrating a wider array of online participants under a cohesive framework while implementing necessary checks and balances.

However, these proposals have ignited discussions within the industry. Stakeholders have expressed concerns about how intermediaries will be treated under the new regulations, the exact definition of “news and current affairs content,” and the sufficiency of procedural safeguards to guard against misuse.

The government is anticipated to evaluate stakeholder feedback before finalizing the amendments, which could profoundly impact India’s digital news ecosystem.