In a significant development, the Indian government has announced new guidelines for social media platforms and digital news outlets in the country. The new rules, known as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, aim to regulate social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as digital news outlets like The Times of India and NDTV. Under the new guidelines, social media platforms with more than 5 million users must appoint a grievance officer based in India to address user complaints. These platforms will also have to remove contentious content within 36 hours of receiving a legal order. Additionally, they are required to assist in investigations or other cybersecurity-related incidents. The rules also mandate that digital news outlets disclose their ownership and funding sources, as well as establish a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. Failure to comply with the guidelines could lead to penalties or even legal action. The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms, as well as the need for greater transparency in the digital media landscape. It is expected to bring more accountability and responsibility to the online sphere in India, ensuring a safer and more regulated digital environment for users.