In a significant development, the Indian government has announced new guidelines for social media platforms and digital news outlets. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has stated that social media companies will now have to appoint grievance officers based in India who will be responsible for addressing user complaints. These officers will have to acknowledge complaints within 24 hours and resolve them within 15 days. Moreover, the new rules require social media platforms to remove content within 36 hours of receiving a legal order. In addition, companies will be required to disclose the origin of messages that have the potential to create unrest or affect the country’s sovereignty and integrity. The guidelines also mandate that social media platforms must have automated tools to remove unlawful content. For digital news outlets, the government has introduced a three-tier regulatory mechanism, including self-regulation, oversight by the Press Council of India, and oversight by the government. These regulations aim to create a level playing field for all media entities and ensure transparency and accountability. The move comes amid concerns about the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms, as well as the need to regulate digital news outlets. It is seen as a step towards ensuring a safer online environment for users and addressing the challenges posed by the digital age. The government has stated that the new rules will empower users and create a more responsible and accountable social media ecosystem in India.