India’s government released draft amendments to the IT Rules 2021 on March 30, 2026, bringing individual users posting news and current affairs under the same regulatory framework as publishers. Influencers and regular users sharing such content now face potential takedown notices, modifications, or emergency blocking via the expanded Inter Disciplinary Committee (IDC).
Expanded MIB Powers
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting gains broader blocking authority under Rule 14, covering user-generated news on social media—previously unregulated. IDC can now review “matters” beyond complaints, enabling proactive scrutiny.
Mandatory Platform Compliance
Intermediaries must follow MeitY advisories, SOPs, and guidelines as binding due diligence under Section 79, risking safe harbor loss otherwise. Data retention clarified at 180 days minimum, amid recent deepfake takedowns.
