Content creators on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) had been kept on their toes for the past few weeks by a draft legislation that aimed to overhaul and regulate broadcasting services in India.

The government unveiled the first draft of the bill last November, but this July a second draft was shared with select industry stakeholders.

While the first draft aimed to regulate digital streaming platforms, the second one sought to expand its scope to include online content creators by introducing a new category called "digital news broadcasters."

The proposals sparked public outcry, with many journalists, activists and rights groups expressing fears over possible government overreach as well, as potential censorship and stifling of free speech.

The bill would apply to every content creator, whether a YouTuber discussing video games, an Instagram blogger talking about their trip abroad, or a political commentator.

The stipulated provisions would require content creators to set up a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC), consisting of members from........

© Deutsche Welle