News

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025 to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

These new amendments make the responsibilities of intermediaries stronger under the IT Act, 2000. They add additional safeguards under Rule 3(1)(d) to make sure that when any platform removes illegal or unlawful content by the intermediaries, the process is carried out in a transparent, fair and balanced manner. These changes will come into effect on November 1, 2025.

Senior-level Authorization: This feature suggests that the intimation to intermediaries of unlawful information can now only be issued by

Senior officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent, if not appointed then a Director or an officer equivalent in rank its authorised agency.

For police authorities, only an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), specially authorised, can issue such intimation.

Reasoned intimation with specific details

Each intimation must follow these below mentioned guidelines

Periodic review mechanism

All intimations issued under Rule 3(1)(d) will be subject to a monthly review by a senior government officer (Secretary level or above) to ensure that such actions remain necessary, proportionate, and lawful.

Balance of rights and responsibilities

These amendments balance between citizens the constitutional rights of citizens and the legitimate regulatory powers of the State' rights with the government's regulatory powers, ensuring enforcement is transparent and fair.

Transparency and accountability: The new rules clearly define who can issue directions and how, with regular reviews to maintain proper checks and balances.

Clarity for Intermediaries: By mandating detailed and reasoned intimations, intermediaries will have better guidance to act in compliance with law.

Fairness and balance: These amendments make sure that any action taken is transparent, reasonable, and respects natural justice, while still enforcing the legal limits under the IT Act, 2000.