The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a fresh advisory to social media platforms and other online intermediaries, urging them to take stricter action against obscene, vulgar, pornographic, and otherwise illegal content circulating online. The advisory, dated December 29, 2025, comes amid growing public, judicial, and parliamentary concerns about the proliferation of harmful material on digital platforms.

According to the ministry, repeated complaints from the public, stakeholders, and courts indicate that certain online content does not comply with laws regarding decency, obscenity, and the protection of minors. “These concerns have also been reflected in discussions in Parliament and proceedings before courts. In respect of specific instances brought to notice, the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for action in accordance with law,” the advisory stated.

MeitY highlighted the need for “greater consistency and rigour” in how social media platforms meet their due diligence obligations, particularly in identifying and removing content that is obscene, sexually explicit, paedophilic, harmful to children, or otherwise unlawful. The ministry emphasized that intermediaries’ legal protection under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act is contingent on adherence to these rules.

Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, platforms are required to make “reasonable efforts” to ensure that users do not upload or share illegal content. Once a court order or government notice is received, the platforms are mandated to act expeditiously to remove or disable access to such content within the timelines prescribed.

A senior MeitY official noted that there is a widespread perception that obscene content has increased online, and that significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs) are not doing enough to control it. The advisory calls on platforms to implement stronger content moderation mechanisms, including automated and technology-based tools, to prevent harmful material from spreading. It also directs intermediaries to provide users with accessible reporting and grievance redressal systems.

Particular emphasis is placed on intimate content. Platforms are reminded of the 24-hour takedown requirement for material that is sexual in nature or involves impersonation. Once a complaint is received from the affected person or someone acting on their behalf, platforms must remove or disable access to such content within 24 hours.

The advisory also underlines the legal consequences of hosting or sharing unlawful content. Platforms and intermediaries that fail to comply with the IT Rules, 2021 may face penalties under several laws, including the Information Technology Act, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The ministry advised platforms to conduct immediate reviews of their content moderation processes and compliance mechanisms, warning that failure to act could lead to prosecution of platforms, intermediaries, and even users.

While the advisory does not specify a triggering incident, it reflects the government’s continuing push to regulate digital content more strictly and ensure compliance by major social media platforms. Officials at MeitY were not available for comment at the time of publication.

This move comes amid an ongoing debate in India over balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect users, especially minors, from harmful and illegal content. Social media companies are increasingly being held accountable for material circulated on their platforms, with both courts and lawmakers stressing the importance of proactive content moderation.

The advisory also signals the government’s intent to leverage technological solutions, such as AI-based content detection tools, to ensure faster identification and removal of obscene or illegal material. Large platforms are expected to use these measures alongside manual moderation processes to achieve compliance with statutory obligations.

Overall, the advisory emphasizes that the responsibility for online content lies not only with users but also with platforms hosting such material. MeitY’s communication reinforces the legal and social expectations for social media companies, urging them to take a proactive stance in ensuring that the digital space remains safe, secure, and compliant with Indian law.

By reiterating the legal frameworks and deadlines for action, MeitY aims to create uniformity in enforcement and reduce delays in removing objectionable content. The ministry’s warning of potential criminal liability underscores the seriousness with which the government views compliance, particularly with regard to content affecting women and children.

In conclusion, the MeitY advisory seeks to tighten oversight of social media platforms, stressing the need for rigorous monitoring, timely takedown of obscene content, and the use of technological tools to enhance compliance. The government has made it clear that platforms failing to meet their obligations may face prosecution, placing a renewed emphasis on the accountability of intermediaries in maintaining a lawful and safe online environment.