Now Reading: IT Act takedown orders lack free speech safeguards, says lawyer
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IT Act takedown orders lack free speech safeguards, says lawyer
Technology lawyer Deepak Singh has warned that India’s social media takedown framework lacks adequate safeguards for free speech. In an interview with Times Now News, he said current mechanisms under the IT…
The Story in Brief
Technology lawyer Deepak Singh has warned that India’s social media takedown framework lacks adequate safeguards for free speech. In an interview with Times Now News, he said current mechanisms under the IT Act fail to provide advance notice, reasoned orders or an independent review to affected users. Singh said platforms often over-comply within tight deadlines to avoid losing safe-harbour immunity, leading to removal of lawful content including satire and political speech.
He called for a constitutionally sound framework that ensures notice, judicial oversight and graded compliance timelines. Emergency cases may justify immediate action, but routine matters must allow due process, he added. The concerns come as ongoing judicial challenges question government use of Section 79(3)(b) for content takedowns without following due process for the underlying offence.
The Indian Opinion
Technology lawyer Deepak Singh argues current social media takedown rules lack due process. Yet the usual narrative pits government censorship against platform over-compliance. The real test is not who blocks content faster, but whether users get notice, hearing and judicial review. The IT Rules can balance law enforcement and free speech if the government mandates reasoned orders and independent review. Will the next IT Rules amendment fix this, or keep the power opaque?
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
