PCI passes resolution against ‘infrastructure of censorship’ in IT Rules 2026
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The Press Club of India (PCI) has passed a resolution opposing what it described as an “infrastructure of censorship” built through recent and proposed changes to India’s digital regulations, particularly the draft IT Amendment Rules 2026. The resolution also outlined eight key demands aimed at protecting digital creators, ensuring due process, and safeguarding press freedom.
The resolution was adopted following a joint public meeting of six press bodies held at the Press Club of India on Saturday. Participants included representatives from the PCI, DIGIPUB, the Editors’ Guild of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Network of Women in Media, and the Delhi Union of Journalists.
As Medianama founder and editor Nikhil Pahwa noted in a post on X, the resolution specifically criticised what it termed the “infrastructure of censorship” created by the Centre through the proposed rules.
Among its key demands, the resolution called for the complete withdrawal of the draft IT Rules 2026, describing the compliance framework as “financially terminal” for independent creators and freelancers, including those running solo podcasts, newsletters, and YouTube channels.
It further warned that the proposed regulations could have a “chilling effect” on content creators, forcing them into self-censorship due to fears of algorithmic misidentification.
The resolution also highlighted concerns that such provisions could disproportionately impact independent digital journalists and creators who rely on online platforms for publishing and outreach.
On Friday, a PCI delegation had visited the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to submit its formal comments and suggestions on the draft amendments to the IT Rules 2026.