Ministry of Electronics and IT: News

18 Oct 2024

Indian Government

India plans to restrict tech imports to boost domestic production

India is gearing up to restrict the import of laptops, tablets, and PCs from next year.

18 Oct 2024

Meta

'Scam se Bacho': Meta's new campaign educates about online safety

Meta has partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to launch a safety campaign called 'Scam se Bacho.'

16 Jun 2024

Ashwini Vaishnaw

Centre to introduce 'digital by design' platform for data protection

The Indian government is planning to introduce a "digital by design" platform, to facilitate the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).

15 Jun 2024

Technology

Centre, CP Plus join forces to develop advanced thermal cameras

In a significant stride toward indigenous technology, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has transferred its Thermal Smart Camera technology to CP Plus—an Indian brand that specializes in security and surveillance products.

12 May 2024

Apple

Centre warns of high-risk vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, Apple iTunes

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk warning about potential vulnerabilities, in Google Chrome and Apple iTunes desktop applications.

01 Apr 2024

Indian Government

Indian government warns of data theft via public charging stations

Indian government has issued a public warning about the increasing prevalence of cyber scams, specifically targeting public phone charging stations.

16 Mar 2024

Indian Government

Centre revokes AI deployment approval requirement, raises concerns on deepfakes

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has rescinded its previous mandate requiring artificial intelligence (AI) models, large language models (LLMs), and algorithms to obtain explicit government permission before deployment.

09 Mar 2024

Ashwini Vaishnaw

Ashwini Vaishnaw launches India's fastest router with 2.4tbps speed

India's Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has unveiled the country's fastest router in Bengaluru.

05 Mar 2024

Indian Government

Using 'Chakshu' portal, you can curb online fraud: Here's how

The Indian government has launched a new 'Chakshu' portal as part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative.

CBSE planning comprehensive AI policy for students: Report

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is exploring a comprehensive policy on incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools to prepare students for future jobs and encourage creativity and innovation.

02 Mar 2024

Indian Government

Delisting Indian apps cannot be permitted: Vaishnaw on Google-start-ups row

The Indian government is pushing back against Google's recent removal of several Indian apps from its Play Store.

29 Feb 2024

Ashwini Vaishnaw

Indian government approves 3 semiconductor plants, including 2 by Tata

The Indian government has greenlit three semiconductor plant proposals, totaling an investment of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore.

21 Feb 2024

Minimum Support Price

Centre calls for talks, farmers tear-gassed at Punjab-Haryana border 

The Centre on Wednesday urged protesting farmers to hold the fifth round of talks, even as the agitators resumed their "Delhi Chalo" protest march.

01 Jan 2024

MeitY

MeitY considers taking over approval process for online games

The Indian government's plan to appoint self-regulatory bodies (SRBs) for the online gaming industry has hit a roadblock.

Exploring India's emerging LLM landscape: Krutrim, OpenHathi, BharatGPT and more

In his visit to India in June, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sparked discussions by appearing to downplay the possibility of a groundbreaking Large Language Model (LLM) originating from the country.

23 Dec 2023

Ashwini Vaishnaw

OTT services are exempt from Telecom Bill 2023: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Earlier this week, the Indian Government presented new legislation to substitute three existing laws governing the telecom industry within the country.

20 Dec 2023

Indian Government

India's digital transformation in 2023: Advancements in infrastructure and initiatives

The year 2023 marked a digital revolution for India. The Indian government introduced several initiatives under 'Digital India,' to transform the nation's digital landscape.

09 Dec 2023

Indian Government

Over 36,800 URLs blocked by Indian government since 2018

Over the past five years, the Indian government has blocked a whopping 36,838 URLs, as revealed by Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

07 Nov 2023

Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna deepfake: MeitY issues notice to social media platforms

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, to take down deceptive deepfake content within a day.

16 Oct 2023

YouTube

How Centre plans to combat misinformation ahead of 2024 elections

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has called on YouTube to tackle the problem of "fake news channels" by taking legal action and adding a "news not verified" disclaimer.

02 Oct 2023

Business

MyGov CEO Akash Tripathi to lead India Semiconductor Mission

Akash Tripathi, a seasoned IAS officer, is set to take the helm of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the organization responsible for the country's $10-billion chip subsidy program.

06 Sep 2023

Google

Google Play Store to allow real-money games in India

Google intends to authorize a wide range of real-money games on the Play Store, subject to approval by self-regulatory bodies, once the new regulatory framework is established in the country.

Who is Neelkanth Mishra, the new UIDAI chairperson

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed Neelkanth Mishra as the part-time chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

09 Aug 2023

Apple

Apple, Dell, and others seek extension for laptop import restrictions

Apple, HP, Dell and other manufacturers have urged Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology officials to extend import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and personal computers by nine to 12 months.

Put anti-tobacco warnings or face action: Centre to OTT platforms

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday issued new guidelines for anti-tobacco warnings on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.

27 May 2023

Battle Royale

Here's when BGMI will go live: Check release date, timing

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is officially back. Android users can now discover the app on Google Play Store.

19 May 2023

Indian Government

After 10-month ban, BGMI is returning to India; Krafton confirms

Krafton has confirmed that Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) will be reintroduced and made available for download in India soon.

17 May 2023

Narendra Modi

What is India's new $2bn-worth PLI scheme for IT hardware

The Indian government has finally heard the pleas of the IT industry. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme 2.0 for IT hardware.

India blocks 14 mobile apps used by Pakistani terrorists: Reports

The government of India has blocked 14 different mobile applications that terrorists in Pakistan were reportedly using as communication platforms to send information to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), according to NDTV.

23 Apr 2023

Aadhaar

Private firms may be allowed to authenticate Aadhaar: Here's how 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed amending the current regulations to permit Aadhaar authentication by entities other than government departments.

20 Apr 2023

Aadhaar Card

Centre proposes rules to enable Aadhaar authentication by other entities

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Thursday proposed rules to enable Aadhaar authentication by entities other than government ministries and departments.

04 Apr 2023

Apple

Indian government warns Apple users of multiple vulnerabilities: Know solution

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In has discovered medium to high-severity vulnerabilities and issued an advisory to Apple Watch, TV, and Macbook users.

02 Apr 2023

Aadhaar Card

Why you should update your Aadhaar details every 10 years

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) encourages every Aadhaar holder to update their details once every 10 years.

10 Mar 2023

DigiLocker

How to link your Aadhaar card with a DigiLocker account

DigiLocker is an e-portal for storing confidential documents. It was introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEIT) as part of the Digital India initiative.

30 Jan 2023

Social Media

GAC portal to address social media grievances from March 1

The portal for Grievance Appellate Committees (GAC) aimed at looking into complaints against online platforms is likely to be activated by March 1.

21 Nov 2022

RTI Act

Data protection bill proposes amending RTI Act to protect 'privacy'

The Union government, in its draft of the Digital Data Personal Protection Bill, 2022, has proposed an amendment to the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

18 Nov 2022

Data privacy

Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022: Everything to know

The Union government released a draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, on Friday, seeking public feedback.

18 Nov 2022

Indian Government

Government releases revised Data Protection Bill: Here's eveything to know

The Indian government has released a revised draft of the data protection bill three months after it was withdrawn from the Lok Sabha.

14 Nov 2022

Indian Government

Months after mysterious ban, VLC player becomes available in India

Nine months ago, the Indian government mysteriously placed a ban on downloading popular media player VLC. Now, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has lifted the ban on VideoLan's official website.

New Data Protection Bill, Digital India Act in pipeline: Centre

The Centre is working on a revision of the Data Protection Bill and a Digital India Act, the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Communications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on Monday.

24 Aug 2022

X

Indian government forced Twitter to hire its agents: Whistleblower Zatko

In startling revelations, a former Twitter security chief has accused the Indian government of forcing the social media giant to hire its agents, so they could have access to sensitive user data.

04 May 2022

CERT

Centre orders VPN companies to collect and store user data

The Indian government has asked VPN companies to collect user data and store it for at least five years.

01 May 2022

Smartphones

DoT withdraws notification regarding mandatory testing of smartphones, cameras, smartwatches

Amid widespread backlash, the Department of Telecom has decided to withdraw its notification to carry out compulsory testing and certification of consumer electronic products.

SC notice to states on cases under scrapped Section 66A

The Supreme Court of India today issued a notice to all states and union territories over the registration of cases under Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, which it had quashed over six years ago.

28 Jul 2021

Shashi Tharoor

Pegasus: IT panel meeting postponed; BJP member demands Tharoor's removal

A meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Information and Technology was put off on Wednesday due to a lack of quorum as panel members from the Bharatiya Janata Party refused to sign attendance.

22 Jul 2021

X

Centre slams Twitter in Parliament over non-compliance of IT rules

The Indian government said that Twitter's earlier statement expressing concerns over freedom of expression in India was a tactic to divert attention from its non-compliance with the country's laws at that time.

15 Jul 2021

Apple

Government withdraws letter to Apple for compliance with IT Rules

The Centre has reportedly withdrawn a letter asking Apple to comply with new IT Rules, specifically about the company's messaging service.

11 Jul 2021

X

#ITRules: Twitter ends tussle with Centre; appoints Resident Grievance Officer

After much delay, Twitter named Vinay Prakash as its Resident Grievance Officer in compliance with the central government's new IT Rules.

08 Jul 2021

X

Will appoint grievance officer in 8 weeks, Twitter tells court

Twitter today informed the Delhi High Court that it needs eight weeks' time to appoint a grievance officer in India, in compliance with the Indian government's new Information Technology rules.

08 Jul 2021

X

Meet Ashwini Vaishnaw, who replaces RS Prasad as IT Minister

India saw a flurry of resignations from some of the top jobs in the country on Wednesday.

05 Jul 2021

X

IT Rules law of the land; Twitter must comply: Centre

Twitter needs to "mandatorily" comply with the new IT Rules, which are the "law of the land," the central government told the Delhi High Court.

03 Jul 2021

Facebook

Facebook moderated 32mn posts in compliance with new intermediary guidelines

Shortly after being summoned by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Facebook and its subsidiary Instagram revealed they took down as many as 32 million posts in compliance with the IT Ministry's new guidelines for social media intermediaries.

28 Jun 2021

India

Twitter website displays wrong Indian map. Government may take action

The Twitter website is carrying a wrong map of India, showing the northernmost union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as a separate country.

28 Jun 2021

X

Twitter's grievance officer quits within weeks amid row with Centre

Twitter's interim grievance officer has reportedly resigned, causing more trouble for the microblogging platform that has been at odds with the Indian government.

25 Jun 2021

X

Why Twitter temporarily blocked IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's account

Triggering a fresh controversy, microblogging platform Twitter on Friday blocked Union Minister for Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad's account allegedly over complaints of violation of the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

24 Jun 2021

Signal

Signal isn't in compliance with IT Ministry rules, claim officials

Signal, the not-for-profit messaging service that shot to fame amid WhatsApp's privacy policy fiasco, is allegedly not in compliance with the Indian Government's new IT guidelines for social media intermediaries.

16 Jun 2021

India

'Deliberate defiance': Ravi Shankar Prasad on Twitter losing legal safety

Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, today launched an attack on Twitter for failing to comply with the new IT rules yet.

16 Jun 2021

India

Twitter loses legal shield in India over non-compliance of rules

Twitter has lost indemnity in India for failing to comply with the new IT rules on time, implying the company no longer enjoys legal protection from prosecution over posts from its users.

31 May 2021

X

Delhi HC slaps Twitter with notice for flouting IT Rules

The Delhi High Court issued a notice to Twitter on Monday for failing to comply to the recently-enforced Information Technology guidelines encompassing social media platforms.

27 May 2021

X

#ITRules: Twitter needs to follow law of land, says Centre

The central government on Thursday rebuked the microblogging platform Twitter over compliance with the controversial new IT rules.

25 Feb 2021

Ravi Shankar Prasad

Government releases rules for social media, OTT platforms; details here

The Centre on Thursday released a set of new guidelines to regulate digital content.

16 Feb 2021

X

Amid Twitter row, Centre to use Koo for quicker updates

The Indian government is reportedly planning to use Twitter rival Koo as its key mode of communication with the public amid a row with the US-based microblogging platform.

12 Feb 2021

X

Twitter extends commitment to 'restructure' India team: Report

Being slammed by the Indian government for not acting against objectionable content, Twitter has committed to restructure its team in India, a report in Indian Express claimed, citing government officials.

11 Feb 2021

X

'Work here, but...: RS Prasad talks tough amid Twitter-government row

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday told the tech companies that they are free to work in India only if they follow the Indian Constitution.

10 Feb 2021

X

Government responds to Twitter's 'freedom of expression' blog on Koo

Twitter, pulled up by the Indian government for failing to comply with its orders, on Wednesday released a verbose blog highlighting the measures it took and didn't take in the recent days, only to receive a scathing response from the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) on Koo, the homegrown alternative of the micro-blogging website.

08 Feb 2021

X

Indian government-Twitter row: All you need to know

In recent days, calls for Twitter to quit India have risen. The microblogging website is facing immense criticism for violating the Indian law by unblocking accounts it had been directed to withhold.

03 Feb 2021

X

Twitter gets government notice for unblocking accounts backing farmers' protest

The central government is reportedly sending a notice to Twitter for reinstating dozens of accounts backing the farmers' protest despite its directive.

16 Jul 2020

India

India begins questioning of owners of banned Chinese apps

Late last month, India's Information Technology Ministry banned 59 Chinese applications, deeming them "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order".

23 Aug 2018

India

No intent to impose blanket ban on messaging-apps: Telecom Secretary

The Telecom Department does not intend to impose a blanket ban on messaging apps and platforms but is seeking technical solutions to curb specific instances of misuse, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said.

08 Aug 2018

India

Facebook data breach: CBI initiates preliminary inquiry against Cambridge Analytica

The CBI has initiated a preliminary inquiry against Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research (GSR) for alleged illegal personal data harvesting of Indians from Facebook.

03 Aug 2016

Reddit

Government asks Tech Giants to provide 'desi' email addresses soon

In a meeting held last month, the Electronics and IT Ministry has asked email providers to enable signing up for email addresses in Indian languages, especially Hindi.