REGULATING THE DIGITAL SPHERE IN INDIA A Policy Analysis of the IT Second Amendment Rules, 2026

The digital landscape is constantly changing, making the regulation of digital platforms, user-generated content, artificial intelligence and digital speech one of the biggest challenges of the times. The IT (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Second Amendment Rules, 2026 is a noteworthy step in India's ongoing efforts to enhance accountability in the digital realm. Meanwhile, they pose basic issues relating to privacy, freedom of speech and expression, intermediary liability, executive discretion and constitutional protection. This book offers a focused and critical policy commentary on the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Second Amendment Rules, 2026. It examines the proposed regulatory changes relating to data retention, AI-generated content labeling, compliance with governmental directions and advisories, regulation of news and current affairs content and the expanded jurisdiction of regulatory committees. The book analyzes the legal and practical issues that would emerge from the proposed framework, with a careful examination of the principles of the Constitution, judicial precedents, administrative law principles and developments in digital regulation to make constructive recommendations to improve the proposed framework. The focus of this work is not on the question of the need for regulation, but on the question of its clarity, proportionate, transparency, accountability and its compatibility with fundamental rights in the digital space. This book offers a principled roadmap for strengthening India's digital regulatory framework while preserving the constitutional values that must guide it. A valuable resource for policymakers, legal practitioners, researchers, students, intermediaries and all those interested in the future of technology law and digital governance in India.