The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

In one line

What this Act says

Subordinate rules under the IT Act — social media platforms, OTT services and digital news must run grievance redressal, comply with takedown orders and follow a Code of Ethics.

• Loss of safe-harbour protection

  Rule 7

  Intermediary loses §79 immunity — can be prosecuted under IT Act / BNS for user content.

• Failure to appoint Grievance / Compliance / Nodal officers (Significant Social Media Intermediary)

  Rule 4

  Liable to action under §69A / §79; potential takedown of platform.

• Non-compliance with takedown order within timelines (24 / 36 hours)

  Rule 3(1)(d)

  Loss of safe harbour + prosecution under IT Act § §69A / §79.

Headline offences only — not exhaustive. For the full text and every section, open the source PDF or the official link below.

Maximum punishments as prescribed by the Act. Actual sentencing depends on facts, prior convictions and judicial discretion.

Sources

Read the Act yourself

We always show you the local source PDF and at least one verifiable online reference, so you can check anything we say.