The Indian government has recently announced new guidelines for social media platforms and digital news outlets in the country. Under these guidelines, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp will now be required to appoint grievance officers based in India who will address user complaints within a specific timeframe. These officers will also be responsible for coordinating with law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the new rules mandate that social media platforms must remove content within 24 hours of receiving a legal order. Additionally, companies like Google and Facebook will now be required to disclose the origin of any “mischievous” message or post as the government aims to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation. The guidelines also include regulations for digital news outlets, requiring them to adhere to the Press Council of India’s norms. Furthermore, OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime will now have to categorize content based on age suitability and implement parental locks. The Information and Broadcasting Minister stated that these guidelines are aimed at creating a level playing field for all media platforms and ensuring accountability and transparency in the digital space. The move has sparked a debate on freedom of speech and censorship in the country, with some experts raising concerns about potential misuse of the guidelines to suppress dissenting voices. The government, however, maintains that the regulations are necessary to protect national security and maintain social harmony. The guidelines have received mixed reactions from industry experts, with some welcoming the move towards greater accountability and others expressing concerns about potential censorship. It remains to be seen how these new regulations will impact the digital media landscape in India.