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RAS question

The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 require social media intermediaries to:

Correct answer: (A) Appoint compliance officers and enable tracing of the first originator of messages.

The IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 require significant social media intermediaries to appoint compliance functionaries and, for messaging services, enable identification of the first originator of information when legally ordered.

  1. (A)

    Appoint compliance officers and enable tracing of the first originator of messages

  2. (B)

    Provide free internet to all users

  3. (C)

    Block all foreign websites

  4. (D)

    Shut down operations in India

Explanation

Option A is right because the 2021 IT Rules impose additional due diligence on significant social media intermediaries. The fetched Gazette text says such an intermediary must appoint a Chief Compliance Officer, a nodal contact person for 24x7 coordination with law enforcement, and a Resident Grievance Officer. For intermediaries that primarily provide messaging services, the Rules also require them to enable identification of the first originator of information when required by a judicial order from a competent court, or by a lawful order under Section 69 through the competent authority. This is a compliance and traceability framework, not a public-welfare internet scheme or a shutdown order.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (B) The Rules deal with due diligence, compliance officers, grievance handling, and legally ordered traceability; they do not require intermediaries to provide free internet to users.
  • (C) The cited provisions regulate social media intermediaries through compliance duties and originator-identification requirements; they do not mandate blocking all foreign websites.
  • (D) The Rules assume continued operation under regulatory obligations, such as appointing officers and responding to lawful orders, rather than requiring platforms to shut down in India.

Concept

This tests digital governance under Science and Technology: how India regulates intermediaries through due diligence, grievance redressal, and lawful traceability. Such rules recur in RAS because they connect technology platforms with state regulation and citizen-facing accountability.

Source

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