SFLC.in has written to major social media platforms, including Meta, X, and Google, seeking greater transparency regarding content takedown and account restriction orders issued under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the applicable rules, confidentiality obligations expressly apply to blocking orders issued under Section 69A of the Act read with Rule 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. However, no equivalent statutory confidentiality requirement exists for actions taken under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with Rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
In light of this distinction, SFLC.in has urged these platforms to proactively disclose copies of orders, notices, or directions and reveal reasons for issuance of blocking order received under Section 79(3)(b) in the interest of transparency, due process, and the protection of users’ rights. SFLC.in has further called on the platforms to provide more detailed information regarding such takedown requests and compliance actions in their periodic transparency reports.
Read the full letter below:
