New Delhi: The Government has informed that the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 have been notified under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to regulate digital platforms and ensure accountability in the online ecosystem.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to an Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha raised by Shri Rajeev Kumar.
The government stated that Part-III of the IT Rules, 2021 lays down provisions for publishers of online curated content, including OTT platforms. These publishers are required to ensure that they do not transmit or publish any content that is prohibited under the laws currently in force.
For user-generated content hosted on intermediary platforms, including social media platforms, Part-II of the IT Rules, 2021 prescribes specific due diligence obligations. Intermediaries are required to make reasonable efforts to ensure that users of their computer resources do not upload, host, store, transmit, display, or publish any information that is unlawful.
The government emphasised that these provisions aim to create a safer and more responsible digital environment while balancing the growth of online platforms with legal accountability.