Source: PIB
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has organized a workshop titled “Management of Information on Intermediary Platforms”. The event aimed to streamline the process of sending notices to IT intermediaries, such as social media platforms, to have such content taken down..
With India’s digital space expanding rapidly, ensuring responsible online communication has become crucial. The workshop aimed to refine how government authorities issue takedown or blocking requests under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, ensuring both clarity and accountability.
Focus on Legal Clarity and Distinction
Shri S. Krishnan, the Secretary of MeitY, explained that government departments need to be very careful and clear when issuing these notices. He highlighted the difference between two key sections of the law:
- Section 69A: This is used for serious situations where the government directly orders content to be blocked because it threatens national security, public order, or India’s relationships with other countries.
- Section 79(3)(b): This is used to notify a platform that it is hosting illegal content. It puts the intermediaries on notice, telling them they must remove it or risk being held legally responsible.
The Secretary stressed that officials must not confuse the two. A simple notice to a platform shouldn’t sound like a direct national security order. “The powers must be exercised in a prudent manner,” he said, so that they are fair and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
Encouraging Responsible Use of Legal Powers
The workshop highlighted that such powers should be exercised carefully and judiciously to ensure constitutional compliance and withstand judicial review. Officials were advised to ensure that takedown requests are specific, well-documented, and follow due legal process.
Multi-Agency Participation
The event saw participation from key institutions, including the Indian Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Department of Legal Affairs, Indian Army, and various other ministries and state departments. Experts shared insights on improving coordination among agencies for quicker and more transparent handling of digital content issues.
The Road Ahead
The workshop marks a significant move toward building a standardized, legally sound process for issuing directions to online platforms. This initiative aims to make India’s digital governance more trustworthy, consistent, and citizen-friendly — balancing online safety with the protection of free speech.
Author
