NITI seeks tech firms' views on content blocking regime, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• NITI Aayog is reviewing India's tech laws, focusing on online content blocking requirements and transparency timelines.
• The government think tank sought views from major tech companies and start-ups on simplifying current legislation.
• Discussions are part of NITI Aayog's 'Jan Vishwas Siddhant' initiative, aimed at creating a trust-based regulatory environment.
• India issued over 24,000 content blocking orders in 2025, a significant increase from 12,000 in 2024.
• Recent amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandate content removal within 2-3 hours.

Detailed Insights:

• NITI Aayog engaged with industry bodies like Nasscom, CII, IAMAI, and BIF on June 25 to gather feedback.
• The Aayog questioned the operational feasibility of current takedown, grievance, and transparency timelines for intermediaries.
• Tech companies, including those represented by Meta, have expressed concerns over the shortened 2-3 hour takedown window.
• This new timeline is considered by industry executives to be the shortest prescribed globally for content removal.
• The IT Ministry had previously amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, to implement these stricter timelines.
• There were earlier discussions about allowing ministries like Home Affairs and External Affairs to issue content blocking orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, but this move is currently stalled.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NITI Aayog: A policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Regulations governing social media intermediaries and digital news publishers in India.
• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: The primary law in India dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce.
• Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000: Empowers the government to block public access to any information through any computer resource.
• Jan Vishwas Siddhant: An initiative by NITI Aayog to promote a trust-based regulatory environment and rationalize existing laws.