India has tightened its online content regulations, mandating that social media platforms remove unlawful content within three hours of receiving a government notice.
The revised rule, which comes into effect on February 20, significantly reduces the earlier 36-hour compliance window.
The new guidelines for social media platforms are expected to create operational and legal challenges for global tech companies such as Meta Platforms, Google’s YouTube, and X.
Faster Takedown Deadline Under Updated IT Rules
The new directive amends India’s Information Technology rules introduced in 2021, which have already sparked repeated tensions between the government and major technology platforms. By compressing the takedown window to three hours, India is reinforcing its reputation as one of the most assertive regulators of online content globally.
The government has not publicly explained the rationale behind the shorter deadline. However, the change places pressure on social media companies to accelerate content moderation processes in one of their largest and fastest-growing markets.
India has more than 1 billion internet users, making it a critical region for global digital platforms. The new rules force companies to balance strict compliance requirements with growing concerns around censorship, freedom of expression, and operational feasibility.
The move highlights ongoing friction between India’s government and global social media firms. Over the past few years, disputes have emerged over content removal, data localization, and compliance obligations, Reuters news report said.
Thousands of Content Removal Orders Already Issued
India has increasingly expanded its authority to regulate online speech. Government agencies can order the removal of content considered illegal under Indian law, including material linked to national security, public order, or misinformation.
Transparency reports show the scale of enforcement:
India has issued thousands of takedown requests in recent years.
Meta restricted more than 28,000 pieces of content in India during the first half of 2025 alone following government requests.
Digital rights advocates have repeatedly criticized the growing number of takedown orders, arguing that aggressive enforcement risks limiting free expression online.
Global Trend Toward Faster Content Moderation
India’s new rule reflects a broader global push to make platforms more accountable for online content. Governments across Europe, Latin America, and other regions are introducing stricter timelines and higher compliance standards.
Still, industry voices warn that a three-hour deadline may set a new benchmark that is difficult for companies to meet consistently across languages, regions, and legal contexts.
AI Content Labeling Rules Relaxed
Alongside the tighter takedown timeline, the government softened an earlier proposal on AI-generated content. Instead of requiring labels across 10 percent of content duration or screen space, platforms must now ensure such content is “prominently labelled.”
This change suggests regulators are still refining how to address the rapid rise of generative AI while maintaining enforceable compliance requirements.
Growing Regulatory Pressure in a Critical Market
India’s updated IT rules underline the country’s growing influence in shaping global technology regulation. With its massive user base and expanding digital economy, compliance in India is becoming a strategic priority for major social media companies.
As the February 20 deadline approaches, platforms must rapidly adapt their moderation workflows, automation systems, and legal processes to meet one of the world’s fastest content takedown requirements.