SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Institutions: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) | Department of Legal Affairs
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) organized a workshop to standardize and promote the prudent exercise of powers under the IT Act, 2000, essential for responsible digital governance. The key focus was on ensuring clarity and consistency in notices issued to intermediaries and social media platforms for removing or disabling access to unlawful information. Secretary Shri S. Krishnan stressed that Section 69A empowers the government to block content (e.g., for national security), but Section 79(3)(b) merely places intermediaries on notice regarding potential liability; these legal scopes are distinctly different and must not be confused. The Secretary urged government agencies to exercise these powers cautiously, using clear language and relevant legal provisions, ensuring they withstand judicial scrutiny and balance fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The initiative aims to standardize notice formats to curb misinformation, fake news, and other misuse of technology.
This move strengthens Indiaβs Digital Governance framework by institutionalizing the precise and legally compliant application of the IT Act, 2000. It is a direct effort to improve the quality of law enforcement notices, thereby reducing judicial challenges and safeguarding the balance between national security and constitutional rights in the digital space.
What is Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000? It is a provision that places Information Technology intermediaries (like social media platforms) on notice regarding their obligations to remove or disable access to unlawful content upon being notified by the appropriate government or its agency. It is a crucial legal tool for enforcing content moderation rules across digital platforms.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific training curriculum and inter-departmental compliance checks will MeitY establish to ensure all central and state agencies apply the standardized notice formats and legal distinctions for content regulation?
Follow the full news here: Effective Implementation of IT Act