The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines And Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Focusing On The 2023 Amendment

Introduction

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 ('2021 Rules')¹were released by the Central Government in February 2021. The 2021 Rules are framed further to the exercise of powers by the Government of India under Section 87(2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The 2021 Rules have now been amended vide Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. ('2023 Amendment').

The 2021 Rules supersede the previously framed Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011.

The 2021 Rules were introduced to update the regulatory framework in order to empower the ordinary users of social media and place obligations on Social Media Intermediaries ('SMIs') and Significant Social Media Intermediaries ('SSMI') for a safe and trusted online environment. The 2023 Amendment has now placed significant obligations also on the 'online gaming