The Supreme Court of India has requested the government’s response on the social media blocking rules. The court’s decision came after a plea challenging the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, which were notified in February. The petitioners argue that the rules violate the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression. The court has asked the government to submit its response within four weeks. The rules require social media platforms to appoint chief compliance officers, nodal contact persons, and resident grievance officers in India. They also mandate the removal of contentious content within 36 hours of a government or legal order. The guidelines have faced criticism from various stakeholders, including social media companies and civil society organizations. The case will be heard next in four weeks. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.