MeitY has released the draft "Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Second Amendment Rules, 2026" for public feedback. The proposed changes aim to close existing regulatory gaps by making it legally mandatory for intermediaries to follow all written clarifications, advisories, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry.
A key highlight of the draft is the expansion of the Digital Media Ethics Code to include intermediaries and individual users who, while not registered as formal "publishers," regularly share news and current affairs content. This move is specifically designed to bring high-reach social media "news" accounts under the same grievance and ethics framework as mainstream digital media.
Gemini said
For the common man, these draft rules imply a major shift toward digital accountability, where social media platforms may no longer treat government safety "advisories" as optional suggestions. If passed, the rules would mean that popular social media accounts that act like news outlets; even if they aren't official news companies, must follow the same Code of Ethics as professional journalists, making them responsible for the accuracy of what they share.
Additionally, it ensures that if you are a victim of digital abuse or misinformation, the platforms are legally required to keep records of the offenders for longer periods, providing a stronger "digital paper trail" for authorities to help you seek justice. Essentially, it aims to turn the "Wild West" of social media news into a more regulated, traceable, and verified space.
Key Regulatory Revisions and Compliance Mandates
Enforceable Directions: The draft introduces Sub-rule (4) to Rule 3, requiring platforms to comply with Ministry orders that specify a legal basis. This effectively upgrades "advisories" from mere suggestions to binding directives.
Strengthened Data Retention: Proposed amendments to Clauses (g) and (h) mandate that intermediaries preserve and retain user registration and usage information as per timelines specified under applicable laws.
Expanded Ethics Applicability: Amendments to Rule 8 propose extending Rules 14, 15, and 16 (dealing with blocking and grievances) to users who act as news disseminators but are not traditional publishers.
Grievance Streamlining: The Grievance Committee's role is set to be refined to periodically review violations referred by the Ministry, ensuring a more proactive oversight of the Code of Ethics.
These amendments are designed to curb the viral spread of misinformation by "news-aggregating" social media accounts that previously operated in a regulatory grey zone.
What is the "Code of Ethics" in Digital Media? The Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines under the IT Rules 2021 that prescribes the standards for content accuracy, transparency, and classification for digital news publishers and OTT platforms. It acts as a catalyst for digital accountability by requiring entities to follow the Norms of Journalistic Conduct and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act. This mechanism manifests as a transition from "unregulated digital content" to a "three-tier grievance redressal structure," where users can file complaints against content that violates public order or decency. Implementing this code ensures that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and MeitY can benchmark a trajectory of responsible digital communication while protecting freedom of speech.
Policy Relevance: Fortifying the Digital Governance Framework
Synchronising Intermediary Conduct with Administrative Directions: By mandating compliance with Ministry advisories and SOPs, the rules establish a formal baseline for rapid regulatory response to emerging digital threats like deepfakes or misinformation.
Addressing the "Shadow News" Ecosystem: Extending the Code of Ethics to non-publisher users sharing news functions as a strategy to prevent individual accounts from masquerading as news outlets without being held to journalistic standards.
Data Integrity for Law Enforcement: The formalised data retention requirements provide the necessary technical infrastructure for investigative agencies to access critical evidence during cybercrime or national security probes.
Underpinning a Responsive Grievance Architecture: Simplifying the language and procedures for the Grievance Committee establishes a formal baseline for faster resolution of user complaints, de-risking the user experience on major platforms.
Transparency in Government-Platform Relations: Requiring that all Ministry directions be issued in writing with a legal basis provides a strategic safeguard against arbitrary regulatory actions, ensuring due process.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will MeitY distinguish between a "casual user sharing news" and an "intermediary/user required to follow Rule 8" to avoid over-regulation?
Follow The Full News Here: MeitY: Notification of IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Second Amendment Rules, 2026