Three-hour deadline: What India’s new rules mean for social media platforms

India has tightened its enforcement stance on online platforms by directing social media companies to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving official orders, signalling a tougher approach to digital governance and faster compliance expectations for global technology firms operating in the country.

The directive, issued under existing information technology and intermediary rules, significantly shortens the response window for platforms when authorities flag content linked to public order, national security or other violations of law.