The Indian government’s expanding digital control reaches into everyday social media use, as new interpretations of IT Rules 2021 could classify Instagram reels as ‘news’ subject to censorship. This dramatic shift means ordinary users sharing content about current affairs may face unprecedented restrictions, joining the growing list of blocked accounts and suspended creators.
Under these expanded powers, any individual posting about political developments, social issues, or breaking events could potentially be targeted for content removal or account suspension. The move represents a significant escalation from previous enforcement actions, which primarily focused on established news outlets and high-profile influencers.
Critics argue this broad interpretation threatens free expression online, potentially chilling legitimate discussion and citizen journalism. As platforms navigate these evolving regulations, millions of Indian social media users now face uncertainty about what constitutes acceptable content under the law.
Source: Read original article
