- Why in news
- On 7 August 2026, the Minister of State for I&B told the Rajya Sabha that the IT Rules, 2021 require OTT platforms to classify content, including liquor and tobacco content, and that Code of Ethics complaints go through a three-tier mechanism.
- Code of Ethics
- Part III of the Rules sets the Code of Ethics for digital news publishers and OTT platforms.
- Content classification
- OTT platforms must classify content on seven bases: themes and messages, violence, nudity, sex, language, drug and substance abuse, and horror.
- Grievance redressal
- Complaints about Code of Ethics violations go through a three-tier mechanism. Complaints received by the Ministry are forwarded to the OTT platform concerned.
Don’t confuse with IT Rules 2021 vs IT Act, 2000: The IT Act, 2000 is the parent law passed by Parliament. The 2021 Rules are delegated legislation made under it.
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
- Brings digital news and OTT content under a formal code, with age-based classification to protect viewers.
Problems
- Rules made by the executive, not Parliament, raise concerns about free speech and overreach.
- Self-regulation at the first tier may be weak, and many complaints stay with platforms.
Way forward
- Strengthen independent oversight and make the grievance process transparent.
- Consider a statutory framework passed by Parliament with clear safeguards for free expression.
Put in your answer
Three-tier grievance mechanism: The Rules provide a three-tier mechanism for Code of Ethics complaints, which can be cited in answers on regulation of digital media.
- 2026Mains GS3 · Q9Fake news threats to internal security; discuss 2021 IT Rules amendments
- 2016Mains GS3 · Q20Misuse of internet and social media by non-state actors; suggest guidelines
- 2020Mains GS4 · Q4Distinguish laws from rules and discuss the role of ethics
- 2018Prelims Q20Which committee scrutinises whether delegated rules are properly exercised by the executive
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: Rules with a three-tier grievance mechanism and classification code; lasting topic, but this reply adds nothing new for a question.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.