Independent news creators on Centre's radar as it eyes tighter control over content, Pg21

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) may soon have the power to directly block independent news creators on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X.
• Draft amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 propose these changes.
• The MIB could order content changes or apologies for grievances found by an inter-departmental committee.
• The government has invited comments on the draft amendments until April 14.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed amendments target news content from users not defined as publishers, expanding government control.
• Even creators who occasionally address current topics, like a comedian joking about policy, could be affected.
• Globally, blocking orders are typically routed through platforms, not directly to creators, making this unusual.
• The IT Ministry proposes that advisories to social media intermediaries become part of their due diligence, with legal consequences for non-compliance.
• This move aims to address unsatisfactory compliance with advisories, such as those concerning AI-generated content targeting women.
• The Centre seeks to empower more ministries to issue blocking orders, tightening control over online content.
• Safe harbor provisions protecting social media platforms could be challenged if advisories are ignored.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Intermediary Guidelines: Rules governing social media platforms and their responsibilities.
• Blocking Order: A directive to remove content from online platforms.
• Safe Harbor: Legal immunity for platforms from user-generated content.