IT Rules Empower Citizens Against Misleading Content on Social Media Platforms

**Executive Summary** This document outlines the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, designed to protect citizens from misleading content on social media platforms. Part-III of these Rules mandates a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs, and also a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. The document references earlier legislation, including the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, and the Press Council Act, 1978, and also indicates that a Fact Check Unit (FCU) was set up in November, 2019. The information was provided by Dr. L. Murugan in the Rajya Sabha. **Key Points / Main Content** * **IT Rules & Code of Ethics:** * The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were notified under the IT Act, 2000. * Part-III of the Rules mandates a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs. * The Code of Ethics includes adherence to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct under the Press Council Act, 1978. * A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism is provided under the IT Rules for adherence to the Code of Ethics. * **Obligations of Intermediaries:** * Part II of the IT Rules places an obligation on intermediaries like YouTube and Facebook to prevent the dissemination of patently false, untrue, or misleading information. * **Fact Check Unit (FCU):** * The FCU was set up under Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November 2019 to check fake news about the Central Government. * After verifying the authenticity of news from authorized sources, the FCU posts correct information on social media platforms. * **Government Authority:** * Under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, the Government can issue orders to block websites, social media handles, and posts in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, and public order. **Impact Analysis** **Publishers of News and Current Affairs** * **Impact:** Required to follow the Code of Ethics established by the IT Rules, including adherence to existing broadcast and journalistic standards. * **Action Required:** Implement measures to comply with the Code of Ethics, including the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct under the Press Council Act, 1978. **Intermediaries (e.g., YouTube, Facebook)** * **Impact:** Obligated to prevent the dissemination of patently false, untrue, or misleading information on their platforms. * **Action Required:** Implement measures to identify and prevent the spread of misinformation. **Citizens** * **Impact:** Empowered to access more accurate information and protected from misleading content. * **Action Required:** Can use the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to raise concerns about misinformation. **Government of India** * **Impact:** Authority to block websites and social media handles/posts that threaten sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, and public order. * **Action Required:** To issue necessary orders to block websites and social media handles/posts in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, defence, security, and public order.

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