New IT rule: Tracing origin of messages in the offing

The government on Thursday said it is in the process of finalising new IT rules for social media companies that would mandate traceability of originator of information on such platforms including WhatsApp.

The proposed new norms include removal of fake news from social media platforms within 24 of flagging it by government or court, deployment of technology-based automated tools or appropriate mechanisms for proactively identifying and removing or disabling public access to unlawful information or content, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Sanjay Dhotre said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), which sought public feedback on amendments to IT Rules for social media platforms and messaging apps, has received over 200 comments from stakeholders. All comments are being studied,” Dhotre said.