Internet firms to lose safe harbor on not removing content flagged by government fact-checking unit

The Indian government has announced new rules that will remove the “safe harbor” protection currently enjoyed by internet intermediaries such as social media platforms and other online companies. This means that these companies will be held responsible for not removing content that has been flagged by the government or a notified fact-checker within 36 hours.

The new rules also require internet intermediaries to appoint a chief compliance officer, a nodal officer, and a grievance officer who must be residents of India. They will be required to remove content that depicts “any act or simulation in a manner that is patently offensive or is likely to deceive or mislead the viewer about the actual origin, depiction, or meaning of such elements.” Failure to comply with the new rules could lead to legal action against the company and its executives.

The move is seen as part of India’s ongoing efforts to regulate online content and combat the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. However, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for the new rules to be used to stifle free speech and curb dissent.