The Government of India introduced the IT Rules 2021 in February this year with some changes, in which some new rules have been added for social media platforms. The government had given time to these platforms till May 25.
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The new rules have come into effect from May 26, after this government is taking legal action on those social media platforms if the rules are not followed. Now the question comes that what is this in the new rules.
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On February 25, the Government of India notified the IT rules 2021. These rules have been applied to other social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter. The government said at that time, ‘The new rules have empowered ordinary users of social media, and they have suitable mechanisms for redressal and timely resolution of their grievances.’ Let us know what is in the new rules and social media platforms. What will need to be done.
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IT Rules 2021: Know the details
- In such a situation, social media platforms will have to appoint a Chief Compliance Officer, who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and Rules. Such a person should be a resident of India.
- Appointment of a nodal contact person for 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies. Such person shall be a resident of India.
- A Resident Grievance Officer will have to be appointed, who will perform the functions outlined under the Grievance Redressal Mechanism. Such person shall be a resident of India.
- Publish a monthly compliance report, detailing the complaints received and action taken on complaints as well as content promptly removed by major social media mediators.
- Major social media platforms serving primarily in the form of messaging will have to enable identification of the issuer of information for the first time. That is, instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp have to know the origin of a message.
- According to the new rule, the sovereignty and integrity of such India, the security of the country, friendly relations with other countries, or offenses relating to public order or material relating to the said or rape, sexual material or child sexual abuse material, which includes at least punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, is necessary for the prevention, detection, investigation, trial or motion of punishment on those who abet the crimes.
- Major social media platforms will have to publish the contact address of their office in India on their website or mobile app or both.
- Users desirous of voluntarily getting their accounts verified will have to provide a proper mechanism for verification of accounts and provide a verification sign.
- Whenever a major social media platform has removed or disabled access to any information it considers necessary. In such a situation, the person sharing that information will be informed in this regard, in which the grounds and reasons for this action will be explained in detail. Users should be given a fair and reasonable opportunity to protest the action taken by the Platforms.
- Removal of Illegal Information: Arbitrators on receipt of genuine information being notified by the appropriate Government or its agencies in the form of a court order or through an authorized officer shall not maintain or publish any such information which may affect the sovereignty and integrity of India. Prohibited under any law in respect of interest of public order, friendly relations with other countries, etc.
- Code of Conduct for Online News, OTT Platforms and Digital Media: This Code suggests the guidelines to be followed by OTT Platforms, Online News and Digital Media entities.
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