Proposed changes to IT Act unlikely to solve core issues: Experts

Experts say changes are more 'cosmetic', can be misused by enforcement agencies

The government’s move to effect certain changes to the Information Technology (IT) Act in order to deal with online disinformation, fake news, and child pornography is seen by experts as a half-hearted and cosmetic approach to solve these issues. 

“I believe a lot of work has to be done. These (changes) are vague, broad, and overreaching. There are no effective checks and balances,” said Pavan Duggal, a top cyberlaw expert and a Supreme Court (SC) lawyer. “There’s a need to have a more holistic and well-thought-out method,” he said, adding, “Rather than these cosmetic cut-and-paste approaches” which, in the long-term,