February 25, 2021: In a bid to check misuse of social media platforms and to regulate digital news media, the government has issued a new set of guidelines.

As per the new rule, content involving nudity, morphed pictures of women have to be removed in 24 hours of receiving the complaint.

Union Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that social media platforms upon being asked either by a court order or a govt authority will be required to disclose the first originator of mischievous tweet or message as the case may be.

This, he said, should be only in relation to sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, relations with foreign states, or rape, sexually explicit content etc.

Meanwhile, the centre also issued regulations for OTT platforms and digital news media.

“We have decided to have a 3-stair mechanism for OTT platforms. OTT and digital news media will have to disclose their details. We are not mandating registration, we are seeking information”, said Union Minister Prakash Javadekar.

“There should be a grievance redressal system in OTT platforms and digital portals. OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category.

There will also be an oversight mechanism at the government level to deal with the case wherein immediate action is needed,” said the minister.