The Indian government announced new guidelines for social media platforms and digital news outlets on Thursday, aiming to regulate online content more effectively. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that digital news outlets will now be overseen by the ministry, bringing them under the same regulatory framework as traditional media. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram will also be required to appoint local grievance officers to address user complaints. The rules, called the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, come as the government seeks to assert more control over online content and curb the spread of fake news and misinformation. The guidelines also mandate that social media platforms remove contentious content within 36 hours of receiving a legal order. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in the loss of intermediary status, which currently provides platforms with legal immunity from liability for user-generated content. The move has sparked concerns among digital rights activists, who fear that the regulations could be used to stifle free speech and target dissenting voices. The government, however, maintains that the rules are necessary to ensure a safe and responsible online environment. It remains to be seen how these new guidelines will impact the digital landscape in India and whether they will strike a balance between regulation and freedom of expression.