Good news on news (On new IT rules)

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Source: Times of India

What is the news?

The Bombay High Court has stayed part of the new IT rules which aim to control the news media along with social media and OTT platforms.

What did the court say?

The court identified the threat to free expression and argued that the rules are subordinate legislation that go beyond the remit of the IT Act itself. Digital news and current affairs publishers had challenged these rules citing the right to equality, free expression and the right to profession.

Which rules have been stayed?
  • Rule 9 (1)- which calls for digital media publishers to adhere to the code of ethics, and offers subjective meaning of ‘half-truths’, ‘decency’ and ‘good taste’ which is beyond the section 66 of the IT Act
  • Rule 9 (3) – aimed to set up a three-tier grievance redressal committee, which empowers the governments to minutely regulate all media content.
Must Read New IT rules 2021

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