New Delhi, Apr 3 (APAC Media): The Indian government has proposed a significant overhaul of its digital regulatory framework, seeking to make official advisories issued to technology companies legally binding, according to sources familiar with the development.
The proposal, currently under consultation, aims to strengthen compliance mechanisms for major platforms such as Google, Meta, and X. At present, advisories issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) function as non-binding guidelines.
The proposed change would give them statutory backing, potentially exposing companies to legal consequences for non-compliance.
A senior government official said the move is intended to “ensure greater accountability and timely action by intermediaries in dealing with unlawful or harmful content online.” The official added that the existing framework lacks enforceability, which has at times delayed compliance by platforms.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over the spread of misinformation, deepfakes and other forms of harmful digital content.
In recent months, the government has already tightened timelines for content removal, requiring platforms to act more swiftly on flagged material.
Industry stakeholders, however, are expected to raise concerns around regulatory overreach and the potential impact on ease of doing business.
Experts have also pointed out that the proposed rules could blur the line between advisory and directive, increasing compliance burdens on global firms.
The government has invited public comments on the proposal, with a deadline set for mid-April.
Officials indicated that stakeholder feedback will be taken into account before finalising the framework.
If implemented, the move could mark a shift in India’s approach to digital governance, signalling a more assertive regulatory stance in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing internet markets.
News Agency Inputs
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