New Delhi: The Centre is reportedly planning to introduce draft rules to regulate online content and curb obscenity, with the proposed IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026, seeking to define clearer boundaries for digital platforms.
As reported, the rules aim to restrict content that attacks religions or communities, incites violence, spreads false claims or contains obscene and suggestive material. The draft is also expected to mandate age-based classification for all digital content.
The move follows a Supreme Court directive issued in March 2025, which asked the Solicitor General to frame proposals that protect freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution while enforcing “reasonable restrictions” permitted under Article 19(2).
The directive came amid controversy surrounding social media influencers Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina over remarks made on a YouTube show, which triggered nationwide criticism and led to legal proceedings.
Reports said the draft rules have been proposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Section 87(1) of the IT Act, 2000, read with provisions dealing with punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene content electronically.
Drawing from the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, the draft defines obscene content and lists detailed prohibitions, including material that offends decency, denigrates social groups or promotes criminality.
The draft also proposes mandatory content classification, ranging from U to adult-only, along with content descriptors, parental controls and age verification mechanisms, while retaining the applicability of the IT Rules, 2021.
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