The rules framed for online media, e-news channels and OTTs put restrictions on freedom of expression and dissemination of information. The government has assumed wide ranging discretionary powers to vet the content on social media and to take punitive action. The messengers too will be compelled to break the encryption . The grievance address mechanism will shoot up costs. Digital news sites and OTTs will be under a three-tier structure to regulate them. The Inter Departmental Committee (IDC) of government is the final tier.

The time to take down content has been reduced from 48 hours to 36 hours. The digital platforms would have to comply with a Code of Ethics framed by the Press Council or Code under Cable TV Network Regulation Act. It contains negative list of issues pertaining to sex and violence. An aggrieved person submits grievance to the mechanism established. Literally, it is open field. There is a compliance officer and nodal officer to interface with the law enforcement agencies. On being dissatisfied, the aggrieved party approaches the self regulating body and then to an oversight mechanism. There could be endless harassment.

Messangers have to identify the originator of the message violating the code. It is in response to judicial orders or government order.

It could lead to environment where the government has an unfettered freedom to shut down content.

There are issues of fake news on digital channels. Powers that be put their own spin on the digital media. It is necessary to look into this. However, these guidelines go far too much. There could be selective application too as there is lot of discretion available.