By democratising knowledge and radically improving connectivity, the internet has enabled many positive developments over the past few decades. At the same time, it facilitates propaganda and fake news. This calls for content moderation on internet platforms. 

The Indian government sought to fill this need by framing the Intermediary Guidelines Amendment Rules of 2018, which are set to be notified by January 15. The rules could fundamentally change how the internet works. 

Many questions surround the need for intermediary liability. How, for one, do we assign legal responsibility for online content without infringing on free speech, or jeopardising privacy? 

Here, we explain how a balance can be struck between a user’s free speech on the internet, the government’s mandate, and the operations of social media platforms.  

Also watch: Digital Policy series: What’s intermediary liability and why you should care about it

Digital Policy series: How will intermediary liability guidelines affect privacy and business?