MeitY's Online Content Blocking Orders Double to 24,300 Under IT Act Section 69A, 60% on Platform X

IT Rules 2026 Amended: Social Media Intermediaries Must Remove Sensitive Content in 2 Hours

The Centre has tightened the IT Rules, 2021 through amendments effective February 10, 2026, drastically reducing the timeline for social media platforms to remove sensitive content—from 24 hours to just 2 hours. This move aims to curb deepfakes and AI-generated harmful content, and non-compliance will strip platforms of their safe harbour protection under Section 79 of the IT Act.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Meta Apology Over PM Video Removal, Threatens Revocation of Safe Harbour Under IT Act Section 79

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has demanded Meta apologize for erroneously blocking PM Modi's video, or face revocation of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. Similar action is threatened against Google India for financial frauds. This highlights the government's push to enforce intermediary accountability and the conditional nature of safe harbour immunity.

1.95 Lakh Blocking Orders in 5 Months via Sahyog Portal; Meta Automates Takedown Under IT Act

Between March and July 2026, government agencies issued 1.95 lakh social media blocking orders through the Home Ministry's Sahyog portal — one every 68 seconds. Meta has automated takedowns by linking its API to the portal to meet the mandated 2-3 hour timeline, raising serious questions under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. This is a high-yield intermediary liability, free speech and digital governance issue for exams.

IT Rules 2025 Amendments: Joint Secretary Rank Mandated for Content Removal, Monthly Review by Secretary

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology informed Lok Sabha that amendments to IT rules (November 2025) enhance safeguards for content removal, requiring Joint Secretary-level officers to issue directions and monthly review by Secretary. This is crucial for understanding intermediary liability and digital governance.

Centre Notifies Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2026; Mandates Common Time Reference

India has mandated Indian Standard Time (IST) as the single legal time reference under the Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2026. This move aims to synchronize critical infrastructure like banking, telecom, and power grids, while reducing dependence on foreign time sources like GPS, enhancing national security.

SC Upholds EC's SIR, Citizenship Under MHA; 13 Crore Deletions, Aadhaar Alternative Proposed

The Supreme Court upheld the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which deleted over 13 crore names, but clarified that citizenship determination is solely under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This raises critical debates on voter rights, due process, and the viability of Aadhaar-based verification as a cost-effective, inclusive alternative to house-to-house surveys.

Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed as 54th GSI Director General, First Woman in 176 Years

Varsha Ashok Aglawe, a palaeontologist with over three decades of experience, has become the first woman to head the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year history. This landmark appointment signals a gender shift in India's premier geoscientific institution and comes with strategic priorities on critical mineral exploration and mineral security—key for national resource self-sufficiency.

MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question

Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.