India refutes UNHRC concerns over IT rules

India has refuted concerns raised by three UN Special Rapporteurs about the new IT rules by pointing out that these were framed after broad consultations in 2018 with various stakeholders, including individuals, civil society and industry associations. An inter-ministerial meeting discussed the feedback and, thereafter, finalised the rules.

The concerns regarding India’s IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, were conveyed by the Special Procedures Branch of the Human Rights Council (HRC). They pertained to protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to privacy.