New Delhi — Facing scrutiny over the arbitrary manner in which online content takedowns were being issued, the government has notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, tightening the framework for removing unlawful online content.
Under the revised guidelines, only senior officials of at least Joint Secretary or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank or an equivalent position will have the authority to issue such instructions.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the new rules, effective from 15 November 2025, are intended to ensure that content removal directions are lawful, proportionate and reasoned.
The ministry said that a review of the existing system revealed the need for clearer accountability, better documentation and senior-level oversight when ordering online removals. Officials emphasised that the amendments aim to keep restrictions on digital content proportionate and within the law.
Under the IT Rules, intermediaries such as social media platforms must remove unlawful information once they receive a court order or a government notice. The new framework strengthens this process by requiring high-level authorisation and detailed justifications before any action is taken, according to MeitY.
The amended rule replaces the earlier broad notification system with a reasoned intimation. Each direction must cite the legal basis, specify the relevant provision of law and identify the exact URL or online location of the content to be removed.
The government said that this is meant to provide intermediaries such as social media firms or hosting services with clarity and precision when acting on its requests.
Every content removal order will also undergo a monthly review by a senior officer not below the rank of Secretary in the concerned government. The ministry said that the review is intended to ensure that actions remain necessary, proportionate and consistent with the law.
Officials said the new provisions aim to balance citizens’ constitutional rights with the State’s regulatory responsibilities. The framework seeks to prevent arbitrary or excessive censorship while maintaining the ability to act against unlawful content.
By defining who can issue takedown orders and what those orders must include, the government said it aims to create a more predictable and reasoned system for intermediaries operating in India.
These entities, which include global social media platforms, messaging services and online publishers, have often faced uncertainty around the scope of lawful government requests.
IT rules for online content takedowns faced strong opposition
Since its introduction in 2021, the IT Rules have faced strong opposition from major technology companies and rights groups. For years, the content takedown process was criticised for lacking structure, as almost any authorised officer could request removals, leading to confusion, overlapping orders and legal challenges.
Courts began questioning the government’s use of these powers. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) argued that takedown requests were often issued without citing specific legal provisions.
Though the Karnataka High Court upheld India’s right to regulate digital intermediaries, it stressed the need for due process and accountability.
“Too many agencies were issuing uncoordinated directions without sufficient documentation,” a senior retired IAS officer familiar with the process told TechObserver.in. “This reform creates a clear chain of responsibility.”
According to YouTube’s Community Guidelines Enforcement data, India registered 2,254,902 video removals during October–December 2023 — the highest number of any country in that quarter.
For the period March 2024 to June 2025, X reported that the Indian government issued takedown requests for around 1,132 URLs or content pieces. Additional data indicate that by late 2024 more than 28,000 URLs were blocked by government authorities.
These numbers rose markedly in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, during which the government stepped up content moderation and digital takedown efforts.
