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3 clusters · 32 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

India social media regulation developments

Overview

The Indian government is moving toward increased regulation of digital platforms and social media usage. Initially, the administration focused on internal governance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing bureaucrats to examine a ‘social media code of conduct’ for government officials to prevent the glorification of positions or the posting of undesirable content while on duty.

Regulatory focus has since shifted toward the safety of minors. Following a petition by the NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, discussions emerged regarding potential amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to restrict social media access for those under 18. The Supreme Court of India has urged the central government to establish a statutory framework to ensure platforms comply with domestic laws rather than relying on voluntary guidelines. During court proceedings, Justice Bagchi noted that platforms often apply US-based restrictions to the Indian digital space, which may not align with local legal standards.

However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has recently denied reports that the government plans to impose such restrictions, labeling claims of upcoming age-based curbs as ‘fake’ and without basis. While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated a need to control intermediaries, the government maintains that no formal proposal to amend the IT Rules to prevent minors from opening accounts is currently under consideration.

Entities

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology · Government of India · Surya Kant · Supreme Court of India · Tushar Mehta

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    India government denies reports of social media curbs for minors

    The Indian government has dismissed reports that it intends to curb social media access for minors under 18, calling the claims baseless following Supreme Court discussions on digital safety.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 28 sources
    India plans stricter social media age rules for under-18s

    The Indian government plans to amend IT rules to prevent those under 18 from independently opening social media accounts, following Supreme Court calls for stronger statutory safeguards for minors.

  3. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    India plans social media code of conduct for government officials

    The Indian government plans to introduce a social media code of conduct for officials to regulate personal content and reels posted online, while also fast-tracking the unified ‘Ek Bharat’ digital portal.

Sources

barandbench.com · counterview.net · deccanchronicle.com · desitalkchicago.com · disabledperson.com · edexlive.com · en.etemaaddaily.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · highlandpost.com · hindi.asianetnews.com · hindi.news18.com · inc42.com · indulgexpress.com · interviewtimes.net · khabarchhe.com · lankanewspapers.com · latestly.com · lawchakra.in · liveLaw.in · millenniumpost.in · navbharatlive.com · newindianexpress.com · news18.com · news9live.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · scconline.com · stophinduhate.org · taxguru.in · tdpelmedia.com · thecsrjournal.in · thelivenagpur.com · tv9gujarati.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history