In a recent development, the Kerala High Court has issued notice to the central government on a writ petition filed against the newly notified IT Rules, 2021, which seek to closely monitor content on social media, digital news portals and video streaming platforms.
The petition submitted with the court has contested that the IT Rules do not confer any rule-making power on the central government to regulate digital media. As per the petition, the regulatory mechanisms under the Rules are invasive, disproportionate and arbitrary.
Likewise, a few days back, the Delhi High Court had also issued a similar notice to the centre challenging the regulation. The next hearing regarding this is expected to be held on April 16, 2021.
Earlier in February 2021, the government issued new guidelines in an effort to tighten the rules governing social media and streaming companies. The new rules require these companies to take down contentious content quicker, appoint grievance redressal officers and assist investigations. The move is aimed at making social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram more accountable and responsible for the content hosted on their platform.
