New IT Rules Proposal: Social Media News Creators May Face Publisher-Level Regulations

Government seeks to bring influencers under stricter framework; draft rules open for public feedback till April 14

The central government has proposed significant changes to digital content regulation, bringing social media users and influencers who post news-related content under stricter oversight. The draft amendment to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2026, has been released for public consultation.

If implemented, the proposal could mark a major shift in how online content—especially news and current affairs—is regulated in India.

Influencers May Be Treated Like Publishers

One of the key changes proposed is the removal of an earlier exemption for individual users. Previously, only those engaged in systematic business or professional activity were regulated. Now, even individuals posting news-related content on social media could fall under the same rules as publishers.

This means influencers and regular users sharing news or current affairs content may be subject to stricter scrutiny and compliance requirements.

Takedown, Modification And Blocking Powers

Under the proposed rules, authorities will have expanded powers to take action against online content. This includes the ability to order deletion, modification, or even emergency blocking of posts.

Such actions can be taken if content is found to violate guidelines, significantly increasing regulatory control over what is shared online.

Expanded Role Of Information & Broadcasting Ministry

The proposal also strengthens the role of the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry. Its authority to intervene in digital content moderation is expected to increase, particularly through mechanisms like the Inter-Disciplinary Committee (IDC).

The IDC may now be able to take up broader “matters” instead of only formal complaints, allowing it to act on a wider range of issues.

Platforms Must Follow Government Advisories

Social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram may be required to strictly follow advisories issued by the IT Ministry. Failure to comply could lead to legal consequences, tightening accountability for intermediaries.

Reason Behind The Move

Officials have stated that the changes are being proposed because news-related content on social media is currently “largely unregulated.” The aim is to create a more structured framework for monitoring and managing such content.

The move also comes amid increasing concerns over misinformation, including deepfakes and AI-generated content.

Public Feedback Invited

The draft rules have been opened for stakeholder consultation, with the government inviting feedback until April 14. This gives content creators, platforms, and the public an opportunity to share concerns or suggestions before final implementation.

What It Means For Users

If these rules are enforced, the distinction between professional publishers and individual content creators could blur. Anyone sharing news-related posts online may need to be more cautious, as the regulatory framework tightens.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Policy details may change after public consultation and final notification.