The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) on October 22, 2025, issued the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025 under the powers conferred by section 87(1), clauses (z) and (zg) of sub-section (2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000). The amended rules, effective from November 15, 2025, aim to strengthen accountability mechanisms for online intermediaries and clarify the process for removal of unlawful information hosted on digital platforms.
The amendment revises rule 3(1)(d) of the 2021 Rules, mandating intermediaries to remove or disable access to information that violates laws relating to sovereignty, integrity, security of the State, public order, decency, morality, contempt of court, or defamation within 36 hours of receiving “actual knowledge.” This “actual knowledge” will now arise only from either a court order or a reasoned written intimation issued by an authorised officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary (or equivalent) of the Central or State Government.
Additionally, the amendment introduces monthly reviews of such government intimations by a Secretary-level officer to ensure the actions are necessary, proportionate, and legally consistent with section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. The authorised intimation must clearly specify the legal basis, statutory provision, nature of the unlawful act, and specific electronic location (URL or identifier) of the information to be taken down.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 775(E)
