The government is looking into methods to increase accountability for libellous, spam, and troll-generated content on social media platforms.
Officials stated that the measure comes in response to growing complaints about coordinated internet "hit campaigns" that use misinformation, half-truths, and anonymous amplification to harm reputations without apparent legal traceability.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) has already released draft modifications to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, which propose a redesigned framework for regulating online news and current affairs content.The draft has been made available for public review, with the feedback window now scheduled to close on April 14, though it may be extended to encourage further involvement.
Speaking following a stakeholder consultation, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan denied suspicions that the proposed reforms would be used to muzzle criticism, calling them a "myth."
"Any action taken under the updated regulations would be within existing legal and constitutional limitations, he stated.
According to the top official, the planned modifications are intended to combat a burgeoning ecosystem in which unsubstantiated claims may be quickly planted and amplified through networks of accounts, evading accountability while causing reputational and financial harm.

The government is also looking into ways to combat factual distortion, such as using accurate information selectively in deceptive contexts.
Krishnan stated that the modifications are motivated by four important objectives: expanded data retention obligations, improved compliance with current regulations, clearer definitions, and structural refinements to strengthen implementation.
A primary focus is on improving the definition of "news and current affairs content" under the IT Act in order to remove uncertainty and increase regulatory clarity.
The proposal also suggests a calibrated shift in oversight, with specific powers over news content being shared with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting while MeitY retains overall control.