What are the new IT rules?
Also known as Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code, the new guidelines imply that the companies offering the services such as social and digital media, including social networks, over-the-top (OTT) will be held responsible for the content circulating on their platforms. The government has introduced the new IT rules believing that it will empower the users of these platforms. Also, addressing grievances on content posing a threat to the National Security or safety of an individual will be easier with the help of these guidelines.
Although, the social and digital media companies will have to be on guard with their content the implications of these rules goes down to the individual users of these services.
How can these laws affect you?
Your anonymity on messaging and social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter is compromised with these new rules. The government believes this will help them tackle disturbing developments on digital platforms and people spreading rumours and illegally obtaining and morphing digital media content without fear of consequences will no longer enjoy their blanket privacy.
IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a statement said, “Social media is welcome to do business in India… they have got good business. They have got a good number of users and also empowered ordinary Indians. But users must also be given a proper forum for the resolution of their grievances in a time-bound manner against abuse and misuse of social media.”