The Digital India Bill 2023 aims to replace India’s existing Information Technology Act of 2000 and provide comprehensive oversight of the digital landscape. It seeks to address modern challenges like cybercrime, data protection, deepfakes, and online safety. The Bill introduces a classification system for intermediaries based on risk and size, allowing tailored regulations. It proposes a dedicated internet regulatory authority for effective governance.
However, debates have arisen with respect to certain provisions, particularly regarding safe harbor, granting legal immunity to intermediaries for user-generated content, with stakeholders having different views on the Bill’s scope and applicability.