Revised IT rules to ensure senior-level authorisation for content takedown notices

New Delhi: The IT ministry has stipulated that intimation to social media platforms for removal of ‘unlawful information’ can only be issued by senior officials and would require precise details and reasons to be specified, as it notified IT Rules amendment to streamline content takedown procedures and bring transparency, clarity and precision in actions.

Further, 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, to ensure that such actions remain “necessary, proportionate, and consistent with law”.