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Delhi: News items had appeared in media on certain aspects of the Intermediaries Guidelines Rules, 2011 notified on 11.4.2011 under Information Technology Act, 2000. The media had projected that the rules violate the principle of freedom of expression and enable the government to regulate content.
It was clarified by Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology today in the Lok Sabha in written reply to a question that Government has formulated the rules after wide consultation with industry Associations and stakeholders and the rules were duly endorsed by industry Associations. The industry Associations in their comments did not raise the issues particularly pertaining to compromising the privacy and violation of freedom of speech and expression.
Google and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) had sent their comments on the draft rules. The comments were studied and incorporated appropriately in the rules. The draft rules after incorporating the comments were also sent to IAMAI who had endorsed the final draft rules which were later notified.
After the media reports, Government has issued two press notes on 10.5.2011 and 11.5.2011 and clarified that rules do not give any power to Government to regulate the content. The Rules also do not provide free access to sensitive personal information collected by service providers while providing services.
[PIB]