Centre Tightens Social Media Regulations to Strengthen Digital Accountability

The Central Government has introduced stricter regulations for social media platforms by significantly reducing the time allowed for removing sensitive online content. As per the amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, notified on February 10, 2026, platforms must now respond more quickly to harmful and unlawful content, particularly material created using artificial intelligence, such as deepfakes and other forms of synthetically generated information.

Under the revised rules, intermediaries are required to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a valid order from a court or the appropriate government authority, replacing the earlier 36-hour deadline. Complaints involving sensitive issues, including nudity and impersonation, must now be addressed within two hours instead of the previous 24-hour limit, while the grievance redressal period has been shortened from 72 hours to 36 hours.

Social media platforms with more than 50 lakh users in India must also implement advanced technical systems, including automated detection tools, to proactively identify and remove content related to rape, child sexual abuse, or material resembling previously banned content. Failure to comply with these obligations could result in the loss of safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, leaving platforms vulnerable to legal proceedings.

The government has further cautioned digital intermediaries against arbitrary content moderation and unjustified account suspensions. During discussions with technology companies, officials stressed that moderation policies should comply with Indian laws and constitutional principles rather than relying solely on foreign standards or automated algorithms. Platforms were directed to ensure transparent decision-making, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, and provide users with fair opportunities to appeal moderation decisions. The renewed emphasis on accountability follows concerns surrounding the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video, reinforcing the government's position that global technology companies must operate in accordance with India's legal and regulatory framework.