Highlights: Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines And Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

On February 25, 2021, the Government of India notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 ("Rules"). These Rules were framed under Section 87(2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 ("IT Act") and will supersede the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011.

The Rules will govern intermediaries¹ such as social media platforms, digital news publishers and OTT content streaming platforms. Notably, the Rules have been divided into three parts:

• Part I is the preliminary section and provides for definitions;
• Part II provides guidelines on the due diligence and grievance redressal mechanisms expected of all intermediaries (including social media platforms); and