US Report Highlights India's Growing Online Censorship and Data Privacy Regulations

A recent US government report highlights the growing trend of online censorship in India, detailing the increasing number of takedown requests directed at American companies. It also discusses the implications of new data privacy regulations established by the Indian government. The report raises concerns about the stringent IT rules that impose personal liability on employees and the government's expanding control over digital content. As India tightens its grip on the internet, the report sheds light on the challenges faced by US firms and the evolving landscape of digital governance in the country. Read on to discover more about these significant developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 13:22 IST

Overview of Takedown Requests

The Indian government has increasingly pressured several American firms with a rising number of takedown requests since 2021, particularly for online content and user accounts deemed politically motivated, according to a report from the United States government.

This report, titled the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, was published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative and outlines significant barriers faced by US exports, foreign direct investment, and electronic commerce in various nations.

In relation to India, the report identified multiple obstacles for US companies, including issues related to tariffs, quality control mandates, and subsidies.

Digital Ecosystem Regulations

The report pointed out that the Indian government had implemented the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules in February 2021, which govern social media, streaming services, and digital news.

It expressed concerns that the IT rules impose personal criminal liability on employees if their company fails to comply, along with unrealistic compliance deadlines and takedown protocols.

In October 2025, the Indian government revised the IT rules to clarify which authorities can request the removal of online content, shifting from a broad directive to a more defined process requiring orders from senior officials.

Data Privacy Developments

The report also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in August 2023, establishing a framework for data privacy in India.

In November 2025, the government notified the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, which detail how personal data should be collected, processed, and safeguarded by both governmental and private entities.

These rules impose potentially burdensome obligations on data fiduciaries and mandate disclosures of personal data to the Indian government, along with restrictions on cross-border data transfers.

Increasing Censorship Measures

The report arrives amid heightened scrutiny of the Indian government's control over the internet.

Recently, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party proposed amendments to the IT rules that would allow takedown notices to be issued to independent news creators for their content on various platforms.

These draft amendments would empower the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to recommend blocking orders and require content creators to apologize or modify their content if grievances are upheld by an inter-departmental committee.

In February, the government mandated social media platforms to swiftly remove AI-generated content, including deepfake videos, within three hours of being flagged by authorities.

Recent Takedown Notices

In December, reports indicated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had issued 91 takedown notices to the social media platform X since March 2024, targeting over 1,100 URLs for alleged legal violations.

More than half of these URLs were flagged for 'disturbing public order', with additional notices issued for content related to political figures.

Earlier in March, X expressed concerns to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology regarding orders to block certain accounts, stating that these directives excessively restrict user rights.