Indian Government to introduce Digital India Act to tackle online crime

The Indian government is developing a Digital India Act to introduce new regulations that would prohibit the online distribution of illegal, criminal, and child sexual abuse material. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar stated that the Act would make internet service providers and other intermediaries more accountable for hosting offensive content. He stressed that the government wants the internet to be a tool for empowerment while also being safe and trustworthy. The Digital India Act will supplement the Information Technology Rules, which were modified in 2022 to hold intermediaries accountable. The Act will also cover online gaming. Chandrashekhar argued that intermediaries should reveal the originator of anonymous content and that the right to free expression and privacy should not be exploited for criminal activities. He acknowledged that CSAM is a result of events outside the internet and must be addressed separately by the law.