By Tco News Desk
April 3, 2026
Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: Just days before Kerala goes to the polls on April 9, 2026, the Centre has proposed sweeping amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, that could dramatically change what ordinary citizens, influencers, and political commentators can post on platforms like X, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. The draft rules, released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on March 30, 2026, extend government oversight to individual users sharing “news and current affairs content,” raising concerns about free speech even as authorities intensify efforts to combat misinformation during the high-stakes Kerala Assembly elections.
The proposed changes come at a critical juncture. Kerala’s single-phase polls on April 9 will decide the fate of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeking a third term, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), and the BJP’s push for gains. With results expected on May 4, social media is already buzzing with campaign content, candidate analysis, and voter appeals. Kerala Police have already filed cases against X (formerly Twitter) and users over AI-generated deepfake videos allegedly defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India, underscoring the growing use of synthetic media to influence voters.
# What the New Draft Rules Propose
The draft — open for public comments until April 14 — targets a key gap in the existing 2021 rules. Previously, Part III of the rules (covering digital news publishers and a three-tier grievance mechanism) applied mainly to registered news outlets. The amendments explicitly bring “news and current affairs content” posted by non-publisher individuals — including YouTubers, Instagram Reels creators, X users, and influencers — under the same regulatory umbrella.
Key proposals include:
Direct takedown notices to users: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) could now issue blocking or removal orders directly to individual account holders for posts deemed violative, not just to platforms.
Stricter platform compliance: Social media intermediaries must treat government “advisories, directions, and guidelines” as binding due diligence requirements. Non-compliance risks loss of “safe harbour” protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, exposing platforms to legal liability for user content.
Faster action on unlawful content: Building on February 2026 amendments that slashed the takedown timeline from 36 hours to just three hours for flagged unlawful material, platforms will face even tighter deadlines during sensitive periods like elections.
Government sources say the changes aim to close the “grey zone” where influencers and citizen journalists operate without the accountability expected of traditional media, particularly to tackle deepfakes, fake news, and election-related misinformation.
# Impact on What You Can Post
For the average Keralite — or anyone posting about the elections — the rules could mean:
Broader scrutiny of “news-like” posts: Sharing a political analysis, candidate critique, poll prediction, or even a viral video with commentary could classify your post as “news and current affairs.” This opens the door to direct government intervention.
Quicker removals and account risks: Platforms may err on the side of caution, auto-removing or blocking content flagged by authorities within hours. Repeated violations could lead to content takedowns, account suspensions, or legal notices.
Chilling effect on satire and criticism: Digital rights groups, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have called the move a “massive expansion of unconstitutional censorship,” warning it could stifle independent reporting, memes, or opposition voices during the campaign’s final stretch.
Critics argue the timing — just a week before polling — amplifies concerns. With Kerala already seeing cyber police action against deepfakes and Election Commission directives on Model Code of Conduct violations, ordinary voters sharing opinions risk falling foul of the rules if they are notified before April 14.
# Government Stand vs. Free Speech Concerns
The Centre maintains the amendments promote accountability and protect democratic processes from AI-driven manipulation and fake news, especially in a state known for high digital literacy and active social media discourse. However, opposition parties and free speech advocates fear selective enforcement could target criticism of the ruling dispensation while platforms rush to comply to avoid liability.
As Kerala’s 140 assembly seats prepare for voting on April 9, the draft rules — though not yet final — are already shaping online behaviour. Political parties, candidates, and voters are being advised to stick to verified facts, avoid unverified claims, and label AI-generated content clearly.
Whether the proposals are finalised before polling day or not, one thing is clear: the era of unrestricted “what you post” on Indian social media during elections may be ending. Users in Kerala and across the country are watching closely as the comment period closes on April 14 — just five days after votes are cast.
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