‘Chilling Effect on Free Speech’: Editors Guild Warns on IT Amendments

The Editors Guild of India has raised strong concerns over recent changes to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, warning that the amendments could impact free speech and expand government control over online content.In a statement, the Guild said the draft amendments “appear to arm MeitY with sweeping powers of content regulation, sharply increase the compliance burden on digital intermediaries, and give the executive overarching powers to block or take down content”.“In other words, they severely constrict dissent and enlarge space for authoritarianism. This will directly infringe the fundamental right to free speech guaranteed to all citizens under the Constitution and will have a chilling

effect on freedom of expression,” it added.

The government, however, has said the amendments are aimed at addressing risks linked to artificial intelligence-driven content, including deepfakes and other forms of synthetically generated information (SGI), which can appear real and mislead users.The Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), came into effect on February 20. They introduce a framework to regulate AI-generated audio, visual and audio-visual content that may mimic real individuals or events.Under the changes, intermediaries must deploy technical tools to prevent unlawful synthetic content such as impersonation, non-consensual imagery and false records. Permissible AI-generated content must be clearly labelled and embedded with metadata to identify it as synthetic.The rules also tighten compliance timelines. Platforms are required to remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving official notice, compared to 36 hours earlier. Grievances must be addressed within seven days, while certain sensitive content must be taken down within two hours.Significant social media intermediaries are required to verify user declarations on whether content is AI-generated and ensure prominent labelling before publication.

The Guild also flagged concerns about compliance requirements, saying intermediaries may face pressure to act on government directions without sufficient safeguards. It pointed to provisions making it mandatory to comply with official advisories and orders, warning that failure could lead to loss of legal protections.

“The absence of due process for the issuance of compliance orders and the complete lack of transparency in the process are deeply concerning,” the statement said.It further cautioned against expanded powers for oversight mechanisms, noting that broader definitions could allow authorities to act on a wide range of matters.“The EGi calls on the government to urgently review or recall the draft rules, and engage in more constructive consultations with all sections of stakeholders,” the Guild said.