The government also stated that early and growth-stage startups will not be affected by the amended IT Rules
The amendments add another layer of grievance redressal to the existing status quo of users → social media grievance office → courts
The draft also proposes that social media platforms have safeguards to prevent any misuse of the grievance redressal mechanism by users
Days after the IT ministry uploaded and withdrew the draft of newly amended IT Rules, 2021, the government has yet again sought public opinion on the amendments to the rules.
This time, in a press note attached to the draft, the government stated that the proposed amended IT rules will provide additional avenues for grievance redressal apart from Courts. It also aims to ensure that the constitutional rights of Indian citizens are not contravened by any big tech by ensuring new accountability standards for Social Media Intermediary (SSMI).