MAM
Press Bodies raise concerns over IT rules, call for wider consultation
Journalists flag free speech risks and compliance burden on independent creators
NEW DELHI: A coalition of leading media organisations has called on the government to withdraw the draft amendments to the Information Technology Rules, raising concerns over their impact on press freedom.
At a meeting held at the Press Club of India, representatives from six journalist bodies, including the Press Club of India, DIGIPUB, and the Editors’ Guild of India, criticised the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for introducing provisions they say expand executive control over digital content.
The groups said the proposed framework gives the government broad powers to order content takedowns under Rule 3(4), creating an imbalance between regulators and publishers.
They also highlighted the potential impact on independent journalists, podcasters, and newsletter writers. According to the organisations, compliance requirements under the draft rules could impose high costs, making it difficult for smaller creators to operate.
Another key concern is the reduction in the content takedown timeline from 36 hours to three hours. The bodies said this change could undermine safeguards linked to intermediary liability and runs counter to principles upheld by the Supreme Court of India.
The coalition has sought the removal or review of several provisions, including:
Sahyog Portal: Criticised for lacking clear legal backing and procedural safeguards
Rule 16: Raises concerns over content blocking without sufficient accountability
Delegated Powers: Opposed for allowing multiple agencies to block content outside established legal processes
The organisations also called for wider consultation with media bodies before finalising rules that affect freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a).
They said they will raise the issue with Members of Parliament to seek changes to the draft rules.
