Rule of law

Hounding tech platforms can't be the solution

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Codes) Rules 2021, or the IT Rules 2021, have triggered multiple legal challenges, and attracted international criticism for being in violation of universal human rights. The rules have led to a confrontation between Twitter and the government. Other major platforms — such as Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp — have complied with the requirements of putting in place an India-based “chief compliance officer”, a grievance officer, and a “24x7 point of contact” to deal with India-related content, while challenging the legal validity. However, Twitter has delayed full compliance, though it claims it