![Social Media Platforms Must Act On Unlawful Content Within 36 Hours of Govt or Court Notice [READ NOTIFICATION]](https://www.jurishour.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Social-Media-Platforms-1068x601.jpg "Social Media Platforms")
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, mandating social media platforms, online intermediaries, and digital publishers to act on “unlawful content” within 36 hours upon official or court notice.
The new rules modify Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, refining the framework for how intermediaries handle content that violates Indian law or poses threats to national interests.
The Platforms like Meta, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Telegram will now face tighter compliance timelines and more structured governmental oversight. The inclusion of high-ranking officers in the process aims to reduce arbitrary takedown orders and increase accountability. However, civil liberties groups may express concerns over broad state powers and potential chilling effects on online speech.
36-Hour Removal Mandate
Intermediaries such as social media platforms, messaging services, and content-hosting providers must remove or disable access to unlawful information within 36 hours of receiving “actual knowledge” through an official order or court direction.
Clear Definition of “Actual Knowledge”
The amendment restricts what constitutes “actual knowledge.” It will arise only through A court order from a competent jurisdiction; or a reasoned written intimation issued by an authorised government officer.
Higher Rank Requirement for Authorised Officers
The government has tightened oversight by requiring that such written intimations can only be issued by officers not below the rank of Joint Secretary (or equivalent) authorised by the Central or State Government. In the case of the police, the authorised officer must be of at least Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank.
Monthly Review of Content Takedowns
All content removal intimations will be subject to monthly review by an officer not below the rank of Secretary of the concerned government.
The review is meant to ensure that orders are necessary, proportionate, and consistent with the provisions of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000.
Detailed Takedown Notices:
Any takedown intimation must clearly specify the legal basis and statutory provision invoked. The nature of the unlawful act; and The specific URL or digital identifier of the content to be removed or blocked.
Notification Details
Date: 22/10/2025
Read More: CBDT Issues Search and Seizure Manual 2025
 has issued the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, mandating social media platforms, online intermediaries, and digital publishers to act on “unlawful content” within 36 hours upon official or court notice.){kind=link}