Centre plans major changes to IT laws to tighten social media regulation

New Delhi: The Centre is preparing to overhaul laws governing social media platforms, including a proposal to withdraw the legal protections currently enjoyed by these companies. The government plans to amend the Information Technology Act, 2000, amid concerns that social media algorithms are amplifying opposition and anti-government campaigns.

Reports suggest that Instagram's role in coordinating online support during the student protests in July also influenced the discussions on tighter regulation. The Centre maintains that social media platforms are not merely intermediaries transmitting messages but also control what users see through the algorithms they develop.

The removal of a video featuring the Prime Minister by Meta, complaints about platforms failing to prevent child abuse, the spread of deepfakes and alleged violations of Indian laws have further accelerated the push for stricter regulations.

A parliamentary standing committee headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has also called for stringent measures to regulate social media platforms.

If the proposed amendments are implemented, social media companies could lose the legal immunity they currently enjoy for third-party content posted on their platforms. They may also face greater pressure to comply with government directives.