The Karnataka High Court is currently hearing a plea by social media platform x challenging the centre’s use of section 79 of the information technology act to pass content. The provision removes safe harbour protection for intermediaries if they fail to take something content flaged by the government. These orders are facilitated through the Home ministry’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) –led Sahyog Portal.

Solikitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the centre, essentially made a “sui generalis” case against “Algorithmic Curation System” on the internet whiche “Fundamentally Unique Editorial International. Media ”, Making a case for the government to flag and remove content from social media platforms with easy.

“Historically, the flow of information to the public was mediated by Institutional Gatekeepers – Editors, Publishers, Broadcasters – Who Exercised At Least Some Judgment Over Content. Imperfect, it provided a Measure of Quality Control and encouraged that extrame or verified content often to find mass outlet, “Mehata’s Written Submissions to the course.

The Government Also cited anonymity or pseudonymity in online platforms through alias accounts, encrypted messaging, etc. “WHICH Can Encourage More Extreme Speech By Shielding Speakers From Accountability,” Unlike “The World

“It is submitted that these algorithms automatically ‘Amplify’ Cartain Content: In Other words, They Boost Exposure of Posts Beyond The Reach This Basic User-To-User Transmission Wield Achieve. System has no equivalent in Traditional Media, Thus Social Media Can ‘Target’ Information Toward Individual Consumers in a Way It is not possible for Traditional Media, “He Said.

X has challenged the sahyog portal, calling it a “censorship portal.” According to Government Sources, As of March 2025, 38 It Intermediaries Have Been Onboarded Including Significant Ones Like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Telegram, Apple, Sharechat, Snapchat, Snapchat. YouTube, and others. Meta inc, which owns facebook, instagram and whatsapp, has allowed api-based integration with the portal.

The platform has refused to be onboarded on the portal, that the government has no power under section. Communication link. The power to Issue Orders to block content is specifically defined under section 69a of the it act. These orders are issues under the information technology (procedure and safuguards for blocking access of information by public) Rules, 2009. In case of non -compliance with the notices, the government lifts the safe harbour protections under law.

However, Section 69a Applies to a narrower class of cases – Against information that relates to the Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Defense of India, Security of the State of the State of the Foundly Prime Minister with Foreign States Order Order Order Order Order Order Order Order. For preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offer relating to about, as compared to section 79 Restrictions’ on the right to freduom of speech and expression.

The government has stated in its submissions to the court that is a wider net has to be held under section 79 to ensure ‘unlawful content’ under any other law is removed, inclusive of the constituency

“It is submitted that the present matter cannot, thus, be justice or adjudicated online from the person of those freedom of expression by displaying, publishing, publishing, transmitting, trading. Information/content but also from the point of view of and with the invention to Protect Vital interest Serious Consequence of Not Only Public Mischief But Creation of Law and Order/Public Order Situation Harming The Society at Large and Danger to National Security, “The Submissions Stated.