Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021

· The Rules have been notified under the IT Act, 2000.
· It replace the IT (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011.
· The rules, once used to regulate only social media platforms, will now cover over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platforms and online news media.

· As per the rules, Intermediaries are such platforms that primarily or solely enable online
interaction between two or more users and allows them to create, upload, share,
disseminate, modify or access information using its services.
· Due diligence to be followed by the intermediary. In case of non compliance, the safe harbour provisions under Section 79 of the IT Act (which protects intermediaries from liability for the act of third parties) will not be applicable.
· The rules mandates traceability of the originator of messages on prominent social media sites.
· Mechanism for voluntarily verification of their accounts to users should be put in place.
· Appointing a Chief Compliance Officer who shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and rules.
· Removal and blocking of information under section 69A of IT act.

· The code of ethics in the rules contains guidelines for classification of content published in OTT platforms as U, U/A7+, U/A13+, U/A16+ and A.
· Provisions of parental locks for content classified as U/A 13+ or higher and reliable age verification mechanisms for content classified as “A”.

· Online news media platforms should comply with Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978 and Programme Code under the Cable Television (Networks Regulation) Act, 1995.
· Setting up of a three-part grievance redressal system for any complainant.
- Level I: Grievance registration and redressal by a Grievance Redressal Officer within 24 hours or elevation of matter to Level II within 15 days.
- Level II: A self-regulatory body with not more than six members headed by a retired SC/HC judge.
- Level III: Oversight by an inter-departmental Committee formed by experts from various ministries and domains and hear appeals for decisions taken at Level II.
· Filing of monthly compliance report of complaints received and action taken