From 3 hours to 1 hour! Government is very strict on online content, rules may change

The Indian government is preparing to make the rules more strict regarding online content. According to reports, the central government is considering reducing the 2-3 hour time limit given to social media platforms to remove objectionable or illegal content to just 1 hour. However, a final decision on this has not been taken yet.

This proposal has come after the recent changes made in Information Technology Rules 2021. In February, the government had reduced the time limit for removing content from the earlier 24-36 hours to 2-3 hours. Now there is a possibility of reducing it further.

Government officials say that this decision will depend on the performance of social media companies. It will be made more stringent only if the platforms strictly follow the existing deadline. The government believes that rapid removal of content can prevent false or misleading information from going viral.

What did the meta say?
Meanwhile, big tech companies like Meta have spoken of difficulties in implementing such strict deadlines. He says that it can be challenging to examine all types of content in such a short time and take the right decision.

To further strengthen digital surveillance, the government is also considering giving powers to other ministries like Home, Defense and External Affairs to block content. At present, this right rests only with the IT Ministry, which has been given under Section 69A of the IT Act 2000.

Apart from this, there is also discussion going on to expand the definition of ‘objectionable content’, which can include defamatory, incomplete information or anti-national views.

Although the government says that these steps are only to stop illegal content, but there is increasing concern among users. Some people claim that satirical or critical posts are also being removed.

If this new rule is implemented, then a big change can be seen for both social media platforms and users.