After instructing social media companies to furnish details of their compliance with the new Information Technology Rules 2021, the government has now instructed all digital media entities to furnish information within the next 15 days. In a communique, issued on May 26, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Digital Media Division has instructed digital-only media entities, over-the-top streaming platforms and traditional media companies to send information about their operations to the ministry within 15 days. The information sought after include the publisher/platform's website URL, mobile apps, company information, contact information, particulars of the news editors, and details about their grievance redressal mechanism. The government issued the new rules in February this year, creating a new framework for governing intermediary liability and digital media regulation. According to the rules, digital news publishers will now have to notify the government of their operations, set up self-regulatory organisations and apply a complaints redressal mechanism, as well as follow codes which were only applicable to print and TV news thus far. While it was clear that the new IT Rules 2021 would apply to digital news publishers and online curated content (OTT platforms), the government has clarified that the new rules also apply to traditional TV and print news organisations that have an online presence. The government has appointed Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary (Policy and Administration) in the I&B Ministry, as the 'Authorised Officer' in charge of administering these rules through the Ministry-level Oversight Mechanism. In the communique, the I&B Ministry said that I&B…
