Information Technology(IT) Amendment Rules, 2025:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, updating the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, particularly Rule 3(1)(d).
- These 2025 rules effective from 15th November 2025, aim to tighten procedural safeguards around the removal of unlawful online content.
Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021 requires internet intermediaries to remove or disable access to unlawful content upon receiving a government order or notification. - This process operates alongside Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, which removes safe-harbour protection if intermediaries fail to take action after receiving “actual knowledge,” and Section 69A which empowers the Central Government to block public access to online information if necessary for national security, sovereignty, or public order.
Key Features of IT Amendment Rules, 2025:
- It introduces new safeguards under Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021 to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the process and more precise, actionable notices for content takedowns.
- Only senior officials can issue takedown directions (an officer of at least Joint Secretary rank (or equivalent/Director if JS is not appointed)), and for police, only a specially authorised Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)-level officer.
- Takedown orders must clearly mention the legal basis, the nature of the violation, and the exact link/identifier of the content.
- This replaces vague notices and aligns with Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act.
- All takedown directions will be reviewed every month by a Secretary-level officer to ensure they remain necessary, proportionate, and lawful.
