Social Media: The Central Government has given a strong message to social media platforms and other online intermediaries. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has made it clear that if the platforms do not take immediate and strict action against obscene, lewd and illegal content, then they may have to face serious consequences under the law. This warning has been given through a new advisory issued on 29 December 2025.
Legal action will be taken if rules are ignored
The government has asked social media companies to immediately review their existing compliance systems and remove any illegal or objectionable content present on their platforms without delay. The Center has also made it clear that for negligence, a case can be initiated against the concerned platforms.
Reminded of IT Act and IT Rules
In the advisory, the government has cited the IT Act and IT Rules 2021 and said that it is the legal responsibility of the intermediaries that their platforms are not used to disseminate any kind of obscene, pornographic, harmful to children or illegal information. This includes all activities from uploading to sharing and storing the content.
Accountability fixed under section 79
The government also reiterated that under Section 79 of the IT Act, social media platforms are required to follow ‘due diligence’. In case of content uploaded by third parties, legal protection will be available only if the platform completely follows the rules. This protection may be lost if the rules are ignored.
It is mandatory to remove content on time
The advisory also states that if any content is found to be illegal on receipt of a court order or information from an authorized agency of the government, it will be mandatory to remove it or block access to it within the stipulated time. Any delay in this will be considered a serious violation.
Why was the new warning issued?
According to the government, it was continuously receiving complaints from the general public, stakeholders and even the courts that the content on many online platforms was violating laws related to decency and obscenity. These issues have also been discussed in Parliament and some cases have been sent to law enforcement agencies for investigation. In view of these growing concerns, the Center has issued this new and strict advisory.
Also read:
Gmail is full? Free up storage in minutes with this hidden shortcut, 90% people don’t know this trick
