New IT Rules Do Not Conform To International Human Rights, Says UN Special Branch Report To Indian Government

India on June 20 termed "misplaced, exaggerated, and disingenuous" concerns over the country's new Information and Technology (IT) Rules raised in a recent report by a special branch of the United Nation's Human Rights Council (UNHRC). It pointed to the country's democratic credentials, saying free speech was guaranteed under the Constitution & reinforced by an independent judiciary & a robust media. It was responding to concerns raised by the Special Procedures Branch of the UNHRC regarding India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The UN special rapporteurs had said that these rules do not conform with international human rights norms. Writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, they expressed "serious concerns" with certain parts of the legislation which could curb free speech. Indian government has faced off with multiple social media & messaging platforms, including Twitter & WhatsApp, in recent months over some aspects of the rules, especially the one pertaining to the setting up of grievance redressal systems. Watch the video to know more.