New Delhi, October 22, 2025: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a new notification – G.S.R. 775(E) – announcing amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The updated rules, titled the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, will come into effect from November 15, 2025.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
The amendment primarily revises Rule 3(1)(d) of the 2021 Rules, enhancing the due diligence obligations of online intermediaries – including social media platforms, hosting services, and other digital intermediaries – regarding unlawful content hosted on their platforms.
Revised Definition of Intermediary Obligations
Under the new provision, intermediaries must act upon receiving “actual knowledge” of any unlawful information that violates existing laws relating to sovereignty, integrity of India, security of the state, public order, decency, or morality. Once such knowledge is received, intermediaries are required to remove or disable access to the content within 36 hours.
Sources of Actual Knowledge
The amendment clarifies that such actual knowledge will arise only in the following circumstances:
(i) When an order is issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(ii) Upon receipt of a reasoned written intimation from a duly authorised officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary (or equivalent), designated by the appropriate government or its agency.
Provisions for Police Intimations
In cases where the intimation originates from the police, the authorised officer must be not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, specifically authorised by the appropriate government to issue such requests.
Mandatory Periodic Review
To ensure transparency and proportionality, the amendment mandates a monthly review of all such takedown intimations by an officer not below the rank of Secretary of the concerned government. The review will examine whether the actions taken are necessary, proportionate, and consistent with the provisions of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000.
Detailed Information in Takedown Requests
The amended clause also requires that each takedown intimation must:
- Clearly specify the legal basis and statutory provision invoked.
- Describe the nature of the unlawful act.
- Provide the exact URL, identifier, or electronic location of the information to be removed or disabled.
Background of the IT Rules
The original Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 were notified on February 25, 2021, with amendments issued in October 2022 and April 2023. The 2025 amendment marks a significant step in refining the mechanism for content moderation, law enforcement coordination, and user safety across digital platforms.
Objective and Impact
The 2025 update aims to bring more accountability and clarity in content takedown procedures while balancing user rights and national interests. By defining the process of “actual knowledge” and limiting it to specific official communications or court orders, the government seeks to ensure that content removal requests remain legally justified, transparent, and proportionate.
Issued by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
Notification Number: G.S.R. 775(E)
Date of Issue: October 22, 2025
Effective From: November 15, 2025
Keyword: IT Rules 2025 Amendment
Meta Description: The Government of India has amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, introducing clearer procedures for content takedown and defining the concept of actual knowledge under the IT Rules 2025.