The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit their feedback on the proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Originally set for April 14, the deadline has been pushed to April 29, 2026.
The proposed amendments to the IT Rules are set to give the government significantly broader powers over digital content and data management. In addition to bringing individual creators under the "Code of Ethics," the draft introduces provisions that could change how content is regulated and how user data is stored.
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The extension offers a crucial window for tech giants, legal experts, and civil society groups to weigh in on what experts describe as a "consequential shift" in online platform governance. The new rule has assured that all submissions will be treated confidentially, encouraging stakeholders to provide candid feedback.
Proposed Reform of the Code of Ethics
The draft amendments, released on March 30 by the ministry, aim to tighten accountability for intermediaries and redefine the ethical code for digital media.
The move signals the government's effort to build wider consensus on rules that could significantly impact social media platforms, digital publishers and online content regulation in India.
The most striking proposal in the latest draft is the extension of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) Code of Ethics to user-generated content. Specifically, the framework, which currently governs digital news publishers and OTT platforms, will now cover content related to "news and current affairs" posted by individual users.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) can now initiate formal reviews of digital content through the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) without waiting for a public complaint.
Platforms cannot delete data after 180 days if other laws require them to keep it for longer.
The move is seen as part of the government's broader effort to build consensus around the evolving regulatory framework for India's digital ecosystem, while balancing concerns around accountability, transparency and freedom of expression.
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