The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invited stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and has extended the deadline for submissions.
The draft amendments aim to strengthen compliance by intermediaries with government-issued clarifications, advisories and directions, while enhancing oversight of digital media content regulation.
Among the key proposals, the amendments seek to clarify data retention obligations under existing laws and require intermediaries to follow guidelines issued by the Ministry as part of due diligence requirements under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The proposed changes also expand the scope of Part III of the Rules, including extending oversight to news and current affairs content hosted by non-publisher users. The role of the Inter-Departmental Committee is also proposed to be strengthened for improved monitoring.
The Ministry stated that the amendments are intended to improve legal clarity and ensure more effective regulation of intermediary-hosted content.
Initially, stakeholders were asked to submit comments by April 14, 2026. However, following requests from various stakeholders, the Ministry extended the deadline to April 29, 2026 to allow wider participation in the consultation process.
Originally published in Dweep Tulika, Volume IX, Issue No. 1.
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