In a significant development, the Indian government has announced new guidelines for the regulation of social media platforms and digital news outlets in the country. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 aim to bring accountability and transparency to online platforms and curb the spread of fake news and misinformation. Under these rules, social media companies are required to appoint grievance officers to address user complaints, remove objectionable content within 24 hours, and provide information on the origin of messages when required by authorities. Additionally, digital news outlets are mandated to follow a strict code of ethics, including the appointment of a grievance redressal officer, compliance with the Press Council of India norms, and adherence to the journalistic standards laid down by the Press Council Act. The move comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of social media and the spread of fake news, especially during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has emphasized the need for self-regulation by digital media platforms while also stressing the importance of freedom of speech and expression. Industry experts believe that these guidelines will help in creating a more responsible digital ecosystem in India. However, there are also concerns about the potential impact on freedom of speech and the independence of media organizations. It remains to be seen how the new rules will be implemented and what implications they will have on the online landscape in the country. The government has given social media companies three months to comply with the guidelines, signaling a new era of regulation for digital platforms in India.