Websites of traditional media houses to come under the ambit of section 69(A) of IT Act: Report

The government on Thursday had announced the tightening of rules governing social media and streaming companies, requiring them to take down contentious content quicker, appoint grievance redressal officers and assist investigations. Now, it has been reported that the websites of traditional media houses will now come under the ambit of section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act. Reportedly, media houses’ websites will have to provide all the operation related details as well. 

Moreover, the e-mail ID of the contact person of the media house's website will also have to be separately furnished to the information and broadcasting ministry. Further, it has been reported that the government is expected to give a prescribed format for providing details, according to a report by HT.

Recently, the government had tightened rules for social media and OTT platforms. 

The 'Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code', that IT and Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said are designed to curb misuse of social media platforms, requires WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media firms as well as streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video to appoint executives to coordinate with law enforcement, disclose the first originator of the mischievous information and remove, within 24 hours, content depicting nudity or morphed pictures of women.

Any contentious content flagged by the government or legal order has to be taken down quickly.

The guidelines require social media intermediaries to appoint a resident grievance officer, who shall register complaints in 24 hours, and file monthly compliance reports. User grievances have to be resolved within 15 days.

Also, social media platforms on being asked by court or government will be required to disclose the first originator of the mischievous information that undermines the sovereignty of India, security of the state, or public order.vThe intermediary, however, will not be required to disclose the contents of any message.

Beyond streaming and messaging, the code will also set guidelines for digital publishers of news and current affairs content, requiring them to disclose their ownership and other information.

Releasing the guidelines, Prasad said the code was needed to make social media and OTT companies accountable for "misuse and abuse". Social media firms should be "more responsible and accountable," he said.