MediaNama’s discussion on IT Rules and the future of online speech in India Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 5 PM
Venue: Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Register here (for in-person attendance) | Zoom link Reading List prepared for the discussion. This discussion will examine the impact and implications of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) proposed amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, including their effect on intermediary liability, safe harbour protections, content moderation, and government oversight of online speech.
Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Session 1: Victims of Censorship in India
1:55 PM – 2:45 PM: Session 2: MeitY’s Expanding Mandate: Rule 3(4), the timelines for content takedowns, and the Safe Harbour, in the context of Shreya Singhal and the IT Act
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Open house discussion
3:25 PM – 4:15 PM: Session 3: MIB’s Expanded Reach: The IDC, Part III, and Government Oversight of News Content and impact on users online
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Open house discussion
Topics will be exploring in their discussions:
- Opening address by the individuals affected by online censorship and content takedowns.
- Implications of Rule 3(4) for intermediary liability and safe harbour
- Impact of evolving executive directions on platform compliance
- Shift from “actual knowledge” to continuous compliance expectations
- Operational challenges posed by compressed takedown timelines
- Risks of over-compliance from intermediaries and automated content removal without oversight
- Expansion of IT Rules’ Part III to user-generated news-related content
- Role and extended powers of the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC)
- Implications for individuals posting or sharing news content
- Constitutional concerns and judicial scrutiny
- Impact on news publishers and digital platforms.
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