No new provision added on blocking of content, clarifies MIB

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has clarified that no change in provision has been made nor any new provision has been added on blocking of content under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

In a statement issued, MIB noted that “Certain misgivings are being raised regarding Rule 16 under Part III of the rules, which mention that in a case of emergency nature, interim blocking directions may be issued by the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.”

“It is hereby clarified that this is not a new provision. For the past 11 years, since 2009, this provision has been exercised by the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT under the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009,” the MIB statement said.

The Ministry further explained that under the rules issued on February 25, 2021, this provision has only been replaced with Secretary, Ministry of I&B, because Part III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 would be administered by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.