IT Rules 2025: Centre Limits Who Can Order Content Removal on Social Media
New Delhi, 23rd October 2025: After its prolonged legal battle with Elon Musk’s company X over social media guidelines, the central government has introduced major amendments to the Information Technology (IT) law aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and user safety.
Under the revised provisions, the number of officials authorized to issue orders for the removal of illegal online information has been restricted. Moreover, any such order must now clearly mention the legal grounds, statutory provisions, and the nature of the unlawful content being targeted.
The amendments come a month after the Karnataka High Court dismissed X Corp’s petition challenging the powers of government officials to issue blocking orders under the IT Act. The court observed, “There is a need to regulate social media, and such regulation is essential, particularly in cases involving crimes against women. Failure to do so would amount to a violation of a citizen’s constitutional right to dignity.”
Why the Rules Were Amended
Late Wednesday night, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified changes to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
“These amendments strengthen the framework of due diligence obligations of intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry noted that a recent review of the rules highlighted the need for greater senior-level accountability, precise identification of illegal content, and additional safeguards to ensure that blocking directions undergo review at higher administrative levels.
Key Changes in the Law
One of the most significant changes restricts who can issue takedown orders:
Only an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent—or where such a post doesn’t exist, a Director or equivalent—can issue such orders.
Where authorized, officers from designated agencies may also be empowered.
In the case of police departments, only officials not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and specifically authorized for the purpose can direct the removal of online content.
Previously, even police inspectors had the authority to issue such directives, raising concerns about overreach.
Requirement for Detailed and Reasoned Notices
Another crucial amendment mandates that every order for content removal must include a detailed explanation of the legal basis and justification.
Each notice must specify:
The relevant legal provisions,
The nature of the unlawful act, and
The exact URL, identifier, or electronic location of the content to be removed.
The ministry also announced that all such directions will undergo monthly reviews to ensure the measures remain “necessary, proportionate, and consistent with the law.”
Officials emphasized that the updated IT Rules strike a careful balance between citizens’ constitutional rights and the government’s duty to regulate online content, ensuring enforcement remains transparent and avoids arbitrary action.
Who Can Issue and Review Orders
In a section titled “Expected Impact,” the ministry clarified that periodic reviews will ensure checks and balances in the process of issuing removal directions.
By mandating detailed, reasoned, and verifiable notices, intermediaries—such as social media platforms—will receive clearer guidance on compliance responsibilities.
The government said the amendments reinforce principles of proportionality, accountability, and natural justice, ensuring that India’s digital governance framework remains transparent while protecting legitimate state interests.
