Abhilash Mallick

BREAKING Australia saw "no meaningful shift" away from big tech platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the immediate wake of the country's world-leading teen social media ban, government documents obtained by AFP show

New: Intermediaries included in Part III of IT Rules to allow MIB to contact lay users who post news content, govt officials told industry in April 7 meeting. Link to story with all the meeting details: thetechtrace.substack.com/p/edition-25-n…

The Supreme Court needs to take note of HT today- in Nandigram's SIR, 95% deletions are Muslims, reports @ItiHarshh

#WebQoof | Amid the West Asia crisis, AI is flooding timelines with convincing war visuals, making it harder than ever to separate fact from fiction. In the past month, Team WebQoof has fact-checked at least 20 such claims. How is AI being used in crises? And how is it reshaping the future of warfare? @Abhilash279 & @khushimehrotraa break it down. Read here: thequint.com/news/webqoof/w…

Sound the Alarm : IFF’s First Read on MeitY's Draft IT Rules Second Amendment, 2026 New Delhi, 30 March 2026 On 30 March 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology published proposed amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, inviting public comments by 14 April, a comment period of barely fifteen days for changes with far reaching consequences for free speech and intermediary governance in India. We have conducted a quick review of the draft amendments. Despite being presented as "clarificatory and procedural," they represent a dangerous expansion of executive power over online speech. We wish to state at the outset that these proposed amendments need to be immediately withdrawn and every member in our citizenry should demand their roll back and stand with the Constitution of India. These proposed amendments come at a time of fear and increased government directed censorship, especially of online political speech that includes parody and satire of the government, including the Prime Minister. In brief the five changes are listed below: 1. Rule 3(1)(g) and 3(1)(h): Insertion of phrases within existing clauses making data retention obligations under the IT Rules additional to retention requirements under any other law. 2. Rule 3(4): Insertion of a new clause that mandates intermediary compliance with MeitY-issued clarifications, advisories, directions, SOPs, codes of practice, and guidelines, making such compliance a condition for retaining safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. These are not anchored to the rule making powers of the IT Act, 2000 and provide uncanalised power to MEITY despite it stating otherwise. 3. Rule 8(1) proviso: A substitution in the proviso that expands applicability of MIB’s oversight mechanism in Part III of the rules to: (1) intermediaries and (2) users who are not “publishers” and post/share news and current affairs content online. This oversight mechanism contains the blocking powers of MIB by way of Rule 14 (Inter-Departmental Committee), Rule 15 (Procedure for issuing directions to block), and Rule 16 (Emergency blocking provisions). 4. Rule 14(2) : A substitution that expands the scope of the IDC from hearing "complaints or grievances" to hearing "matters", including those referred by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 5. Rule 14(5) : Replaces "complaints or grievances" with "the matter" in relation to IDC examination and recommendations. A massive expansion of an unconstitutional censorship and regulatory power First and most concerningly, Rule 3(4) creates a sweeping power for MeitY to issue binding instruments which are not anchored in law such as clarifications, advisories, directions, SOPs, codes of practice, and guidelines that intermediaries must comply with as a condition of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. The Supreme Court's 2015 judgment in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) 5 SCC 1, remains the foundational precedent governing intermediary liability. It constrains the proposed amendments in several ways. First, the court read down Section 79(3)(b) to require that "actual knowledge" of unlawful content must come through a court order or government notification. Any Rule 3(4) making MeitY, "clarifications, advisories, directions, SOPs", lower the constitutional threshold for intermediary due diligence obligations. Further, the settled principle in Indian administrative law, reaffirmed in Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India (1985) 1 SCC 641 and Confederation of Ex-Servicemen Associations v. Union of India (2006) 8 SCC 399, is that delegated legislation must remain within the four corners of the parent statute. It is important to note that the rule-making power under Section 87(1) of the IT Act is confined to, "carry[ing] out the provisions" of the Act. Section 87(2)(zg) authorizes rules for intermediary guidelines under Section 79(2), and Section 87(2)(z) for blocking procedures under Section 69A(2). Justice Chandurkar's judgement in the Kunal Kamra case clearly found the FCU amendment was not properly referable to either provision. Hence, any Rule 3(4) mandating compliance with MeitY advisories would face identical challenges since they create substantive new obligations not contemplated by Sections 79 or 87. Even though Rule 3(4)(b)(ii) states that such, “advisories” etc. need to, “clearly specify the statutory provision or legal basis under which it is issued”, since these are not required to be published or made public there is every likelihood these will be issued with secrecy and hence may just in a tautological manner refer back to Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. This is similar to a logical fallacy in which it is clearly observable that a student is cheating on an exam who then claims that they may be permitted to continue cheating since they are stating at the same time they are not cheating. The practical effect of Rule 3(4) is that intermediaries face a perpetual compliance threat. Any failure to comply with any MeitY-issued instrument, however vague, however rapidly issued may cost them their safe harbour. The response for an intermediary is over-compliance and over-censorship. Circumventing existing stay orders The original proviso to Rule 8(1) stated that Part III applied to intermediaries only "for the purposes of rules 15 and 16" i.e., content blocking directions and emergency blocking. The amended proviso now extends this to Rule 14, bringing intermediaries and user-generated news/current affairs content under the jurisdiction of the Inter-Departmental Committee. Under Rules 9(1) and 9(3) of the 2021 IT Rules, there is a Code of Ethics compliance requirement and the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism, both of which were stayed by the Bombay High Court on 14 August 2021 as prima facie violative of Article 19(1)(a) and ultra vires the IT Act. On the oversight mechanism in Rules 14, 15, and 16, the Bombay High Court granted the petitioners to seek relief on this rule when an Inter Departmental Committee is established. The Madras High Court affirmed this stay as having pan-India effect in its order of 16 September 2021 in T.M. Krishna v. Union of India, observing that "an oversight mechanism to control the media by the government may rob the media of its independence." Both these cases, along with other cases challenging various provisions of the 2021 IT Rules, are now pending adjudication before the Delhi High Court. The expansion of Rule 8(1) to cover Rules 14, 15, and 16 is an attempt to expand the blocking powers of MIB to both intermediaries and users who are not “publishers” but post news and current affairs content online. The IDC can now examine "matters" relating to user-generated news content on intermediary platforms without the Code of Ethics framework having been adjudicated as constitutional; the government effectively obtains the content oversight machinery that three High Courts found illegal, through a different procedural door. Transforming the IDC from Grievance Body to Censorship Apparatus The original Rule 14(2) required the IDC to hear "complaints regarding violation or contravention of the Code of Ethics." The amended version removes this requirement entirely. The IDC now hears: (a) grievances arising from decisions at Level I or II; or (b) "matters" referred to by the Ministry. Clause (b) is unconstrained since, (a) there is no requirement that the "matter" arise from a complaint, (b) no requirement that the "matter" relate to a Code of Ethics violation; and (c) no requirement that the affected party be heard before the referral. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting can, on its own motion, refer any content-related "matter" to the IDC. The cumulative effect of the amendments to Rules 8 and 14 is to reconstruct the oversight machinery that the Bombay and Madras High Courts found constitutionally suspect, in a form designed to evade the existing interim orders. The IDC, previously limited to the three-tier complaints process under the stayed Rules 9(3), 12, and 13 framework, now operates as a free-standing censorship committee that can take up "matters" referred by the executive. Increased user surveillance through mandatory data retention directions Insertion of phrases within existing clauses making data retention obligations under the IT Rules additional to retention requirements under any other law. For instance, the mandatory data retention of user data beyond 180 days within Rule 3(1)(g) and 3(1)(h) may be prescribed for longer periods and other purposes raising risks of surveillance and even potentially data leaks of sensitive data that is stored for longer periods of time. Government mandates for data retention as to their legal authority and hence period of retention will be beyond those contained under the IT Act. SOS for Digital Rights IFF urges an urgent rollback! We are alarmed by the continuing expansion of unchecked executive power that is opposed to the Constitution of India. The present actions of MEITY smack of digital authoritarianism and we call on them to withdraw these proposed amendments. The proper course is to await judicial determination of the pending challenges, respect interim protections granted by constitutional courts, and pursue regulatory objectives through parliamentary legislation rather than subordinate instruments that exceed the parent statute. If not withdrawn, IFF will file a detailed response before the comment deadline. We call upon all stakeholders to submit their objections before 14 April 2026 at itrules.consultation@meity.gov.in

The Supreme Court of India has issued notice in the Union government’s challenge to the Bombay High Court judgment striking down the Centre’s Fact Check Unit under the IT Rules. Importantly, the Court refused to grant any interim stay on the High Court ruling.(1/9) internetfreedom.in/supreme-court-…

Government censorship got you down? Well, India's content blocking regime comes with confidentiality baked in. For whom you ask? Oh summer child, for the government of course, so they don't have to tell you why they're taking it down (psst... censorship). But anyway, if you want to try and track what's going on (examples, threads, media stories), then see 👇.

My first ever COP coverage. Had only 4 days on the ground in Belém — and honestly, the first two went in just figuring out how everything works. Still, here’s what I could report 👇🏾 #COP30

Axis Bank’s laxity my ₹21 lakhs gone from a fixed deposit. Still fighting, yet Axis blames me the scam survivor, just as rape victims are blamed,not rapist. Thank you @trustedinfo_in for inviting me as a scam survivor @Abhilash279 @adrijabose @urvvashii @AxisMyIndia @Citibank

🛡️ Scamland: India Fights Back At #TIACON2025: 🧾 @Abhilash279 The Quint & TIA 👮 Dr. Muktesh Chander, NHRC 🩰 Dr. Navina Jafa, Scam Survivor 📰 @adrijabose , Decode – BOOM 🧠 @urvvashii Jagran New Media 🗓️ Nov 6 | Delhi 🔗 forms.gle/9n6aNMbEcDSXrz… #OnlineScams #DigitalSafety

From animals in distress to celebrities promoting shady investment schemes, AI-generated videos are blurring the line between fact and fiction. Join @PamposhR to learn how to spot deepfakes at #TIACoN2025 🔗 Register: forms.gle/USZ8APZTq7ynzd… 📍 Nov 6 | New Delhi #Deepfakes #AI

🤖AI Content & Reality As deepfakes & synthetic media blur truth, how do we protect citizens? Join @Lyciast at #TIACoN2025 to explore: 🔹 AI harms & safeguards 🔹 Platform accountability 🔹 Policy & civil society roles 🗓️ Nov 6 |📍Delhi 🔗 forms.gle/USZ8APZTq7ynzd… #AIandMedia

Can regulation curb India’s misinformation epidemic? At #TIACoN2025, join @Bala3047 in a conversation with journalists & policymakers to unpack the complexities of regulatory frameworks. 🗓️ Nov 6, 2025 📍 India Habitat Centre 🔗 forms.gle/NvokUonuGwSbhQ…

India lost ₹7K+ Cr to online scams in just 5 months of 2025. From phishing attacks to deepfakes, scammers are evolving fast. At #TIACoN2025, join @Abhilash279 as he conducts one of our panels "Scamland: India Fights Back" 🗓️ Nov 6 | 📍Delhi 🔗 [Registration link] #ScamAlert

🚨 “Best oil for cooking?” 🤖 “Can AI diagnose my symptoms?” Public interest in nutrition, fitness & health has increased. But how do we separate facts from noise? Join us at #TIACoN2025 to unpack trust, truth & tech in health. 🗓️Nov 6 | Delhi 🔗forms.gle/USZ8APZTq7ynzd…

💡 How do we rebuild trust in the AI age? At #TIACoN2025, 150+ technologists, creators, researchers & policy leaders will come together to discuss 'Information & Trust in the AI Age'. 🗓️ Nov 6, 2025 | Delhi 🔗 Apply Today: trustedinfoalliance.in/tiacon-2025 #safeai #scams #healthmisinfo

What do you do when the world around you changes? ⏸️ You pause. 👂 You listen. 💹 You evolve. That’s what we’ve done. 📢 Today, we’re proud to reintroduce ourselves as the Trusted Information Alliance (TIA). A new name, a wider mission. 🎯

This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that Allah would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification—so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half. I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls. I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me to where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I pray that Allah grants her strength and rewards her on my behalf with the best of rewards. I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah (Bayan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend—patient, trusting in Allah, and carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith. I urge you to stand by them, to be their support after Allah Almighty. If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree, certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting. O Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it. Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance. Anas Jamal Al-Sharif 06.04.2025 This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom.

Any reason why @dna edited an old photo to show Ishita Dutta unwell? Cheap clickbait on display.

.@aajtak @Indiatoday even in an apology, you have carried wrong gfx which has been subsequently updated by the researchers. Kindly contact your fact check team who are aware about it and should have ensured this correction. Refer to this link - tattle.co.in/blog/2025-04-3…