Govt extends deadline for feedback on draft amendments to IT Rules to April 29
MeitY says submissions will be kept confidential, while Internet Freedom Foundation flags concerns over expanded executive powers and regulatory impact
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has extended the deadline for inviting stakeholder suggestions on the draft amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 by two weeks.
According to an official notice issued by the ministry, the last date for submitting feedback has now been extended to April 29. Earlier, stakeholders were asked to send in their comments by April 14.
MeitY had published the draft amendments on its website on March 30 seeking public consultation on the proposed changes to the IT Rules, 2021.
Following requests and representations from several stakeholders, the ministry decided to provide additional time to ensure broader participation in the consultation process.
The ministry also clarified that all submissions will be treated in a fiduciary capacity and will not be disclosed at any stage. This is intended to encourage individuals and organizations to share their views freely without hesitation.
Notably, MeitY on March 30 had proposed fresh amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, triggering a debate over online free speech and regulatory powers.
The draft amendments aim to require online intermediaries—such as social media platforms including influencers to comply not just with existing rules, but also with any clarifications, advisories, or guidelines issued by MeitY.
Meanwhile, the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a digital rights group, has strongly opposed the move. After a preliminary review, it warned that the amendments could expand executive power over online speech, compliance requirements may become open-ended and unpredictable and safe harbour protections could effectively depend on adherence to government-issued advisories.
Calling the proposal as a step towards “digital authoritarianism”, IFF had called for its immediate withdrawal. It had urged the government to roll back the proposed amendments; Wait for ongoing court decisions on existing IT Rules and pursue any major regulatory changes through Parliament instead of executive rule-making.
