- Why in news
- On 13 February 2026, the I&B Ministry told the Rajya Sabha how existing laws and the IT Rules, 2021 address fake, false and misleading content on digital platforms and TV.
- What it is
- The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 are subordinate rules under the IT Act, 2000. They set due diligence duties for intermediaries and a code of ethics for publishers of news and online curated content such as OTT platforms. They use a three-tier grievance redressal system.
- Parent law
- The Rules are notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Part III
- Part III covers publishers of online curated content (OTT platforms) and publishers of news and current affairs content.
- Age classification
- OTT platforms must classify content by age into 5 categories and restrict age-inappropriate content for children.
- News publishers' code
- News publishers must follow the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995 and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct under the Press Council Act, 1978.
- Fact Check Unit
- The FCU under PIB was set up in November 2019 to check fake news about the Central Government.
- Grievance redressal
- The Rules provide a three-tier grievance mechanism: self-regulation by the publisher, a self-regulatory body, and an oversight mechanism of the Central Government.
Don’t confuse with IT Rules 2021 vs IT Act 2000: The Act is the parent law passed by Parliament. The Rules are delegated legislation made by the executive under it.
Don’t confuse with Programme Code vs Norms of Journalistic Conduct: The Programme Code is under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995 for TV. The Norms are issued under the Press Council Act, 1978 for the press.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- Extends a code of ethics to digital news and OTT content, which had no statutory regulator.
- Tries to balance Article 19(1)(a) with curbs on false content.
Problems
- Rules made by the executive may exceed the parent Act and can curb free speech under vague terms like 'false' or 'misleading'.
- A government unit judging fake news about itself raises concerns of conflict of interest and censorship.
Way forward
- Place content regulation under a clear law passed by Parliament, with independent oversight.
- Strengthen self-regulation and digital literacy rather than relying on takedowns.
Put in your answer
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act as violating Article 19(1)(a). It is a standard citation on online speech limits.
- 2026Mains GS3 · Q9Fake news threats to internal security and the 2021 IT Rules amendments
- 2024Mains GS3 · Q20Security challenges of social media and encrypted messaging; measures adopted and remedies
- 2020Mains GS4 · Q4Distinguish between laws and rules, and the role of ethics in formulating them
- 2026Prelims Q54Whether 'law' in Article 13 includes rules, regulations, and custom having force of law
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting rules on OTT age classification, code of ethics and Fact Check Unit; mostly restated background, so no practice question.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.