The USTR’s comments on India’s censorship mechanism comes as the government is tightening its control over the internet, and recently proposing it to broaden to what independent news creators and citizen journalists post on social media. These are only some of the ways in which the government is doubling down on blocking content on social media. These blocks, which can be directed by a host of Central and state level agencies, marks the other content blocking regime currently active in the country. In February, the IT Ministry notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. One of the most contentious changes it has implemented is that social media platforms must now remove content within two-three hours as opposed to 24-36 hours before.

Source: Indian Express April 03, 2026 04:54 UTC