Regulating Digital Content - Need for a New Legal Framework

Feb. 23, 2025

Why in News?

The Indian government is examining the need for a new legal framework to regulate digital platforms amid concerns over violent and obscene content.
The move comes in the wake of the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy and broader societal concerns regarding the misuse of the right to freedom of expression.

What’s in Today’s Article?

Concerns Over Digital Content Regulation:

The Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry stated that the Supreme Court, multiple High Courts (HCs), MPs, and statutory bodies like the National Commission for Women have raised concerns regarding harmful content.
For example, the SC granted Ranveer Allahbadia protection from arrest but strongly criticized his comments.
The ministry acknowledges increasing public demand for stricter laws against harmful content on digital platforms, and is currently assessing the need for amendments or a new legal framework.

Existing Legal Framework:

The I&B Ministry has been reviewing statutory provisions and considering the need for a new regulatory framework.
Existing regulations include:
- The Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code (IT Rules, 2021): Mandate self-regulation and content classification.
- Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986: Prohibits obscene depiction of women.
- Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Contains provisions against obscene content.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act: Protects children from exposure to harmful content.
- Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Addresses publication of obscene or pornographic material.
Recent government directives include:
- The I&B Ministry has asked social media channels and OTT platforms -
  - To follow the Code of Ethics prescribed in the IT Rules 2021, and
  - Implement “access control for A-rated content” to prevent children from consuming inappropriate material.
- The OTT platforms must not transmit any prohibited content and undertake age-based classification of content.

Government's Response to Concerns Over Digital Content Regulation:

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has sought clarification on necessary amendments to existing laws.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has been asked to assess the efficacy of existing laws and propose amendments to the IT Act, 2000.

Challenges in Regulation:

OTT platforms and social media currently lack a clear regulatory framework.
The IT Rules, 2021, require a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism:
- Level 1: Self-regulation by the platform.
- Level 2: Industry-wide self-regulation.
- Level 3: Government oversight.
This mechanism has been challenged in various HCs, with the Bombay and Madras HCs staying its enforcement.
The Kerala HC has restrained coercive action over non-compliance with (Part III of) the IT Rules 2021.
Over 15 petitions have been filed against these rules, and the SC has transferred all cases to the Delhi HC for a consolidated hearing.

The Role of YouTube and Social Media Intermediaries:

YouTube is regulated under the IT Rules but is not liable for user-generated content unless it violates government directives.
Unlike traditional publishers, YouTube functions as a social media intermediary and has limited accountability for content uploaded by individual users.
New media services like OTT platforms and YouTube currently operate without a specific regulatory framework, increasing demands for legal amendments.

Conclusion:

The debate over digital content regulation highlights the tension between freedom of expression and the need for responsible content dissemination.
While there have been concerns regarding content censoring for extraneous reasons, the government is actively reviewing laws to create a more structured and enforceable legal framework for digital platforms.
Judicial scrutiny and public discourse will play a key role in shaping the future of digital content regulation in India.