Centre Amended IT Rules 2021: From transparency to accountability —key changes, features and impact

Centre Amended IT Rules 2021: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025 to amend the Information Technology. The government  has amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, increasing accountability for online content, particularly for social media platforms.

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Government notifies amendments to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021 to enhance transparency, accountability and safeguards

These amendments strengthen the framework of due diligence obligations of intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act”). Specifically, the amendments to Rule 3(1)(d) introduce additional safeguards to ensure that removal of unlawful content by intermediaries is carried out in a transparent, proportionate and accountable manner.

These rules will come into force from November 15 2025

Under Rule 3(1)(d), intermediaries are required to remove unlawful information upon receiving actual knowledge either through a court order or notification from the Appropriate Government.

MeitY highlighted the need for additional safeguards to ensure senior-level accountability

Key Changes and Features

Labeling of AI-generated content: AI-generated content on social media will be mandatory.

Transparency in orders: When an intermediary removes content, the government will be required to provide a reasoned notice, and these orders will be issued by senior-level officials.

Accountability: These amendments ensure greater accountability for intermediaries, making them more responsible for content posted by users.

Periodic Review Mechanism

All intimations issued under Rule 3(1)(d) will be subject to a monthly review by an officer not below the rank of Secretary of the Appropriate Government.

This ensures that such actions remain necessary, proportionate, and consistent with law.

Balance of Rights and Responsibilities:

The amendments strike a balance between the constitutional rights of citizens and the legitimate regulatory powers of the State, ensuring that enforcement actions are transparent and do not lead to arbitrary restrictions.

Expected Impact

Safety and accountability: These rules aim to enhance online safety and accountability by ensuring that intermediaries are held accountable for inappropriate or illegal content.

 Legal liability: Intermediaries are no longer merely platform providers, but are unable to shield themselves from legal liability for content.

Protection of constitutional rights: Intermediaries are also required to respect the constitutional rights of users.

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 Summary

Key changes now include mandatory labeling of AI-generated content and greater transparency for content removal orders issued by senior officials of the central or state government, which do not exempt intermediaries from legal liability.