News IT Rules: Supreme Court To Stop Using WhatsApp For Sharing video Conference Links with Advocates

News IT Rules: Supreme Court To Stop Using WhatsApp For Sharing video Conference Links with Advocates

According to new Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules), video conferencing links will be shared on registered email ids and registered mobile numbers of the concerned Advocates-on-Record (AOR)/ party-in-person (Parties).

The Top Court will not use Whatsapp groups to share video conference links for court hearings. According to the circular issued by the Court on 27 February 2021, this step has been taken in view of the newly notified rules.

Days after the Centre announced the tightening of rules governing social media and streaming companies, the Supreme Court decided to stop sharing video conference links for court hearings with WhatsApp groups.

The circular has come in effect from 1 March 2021. It reads "It is notified for the information of the Advocates-on-Record /Party-in-Persons that the creation of Groups in WhatsApp for sharing of VC links for hearing of their matters is restricted due to new guidelines or regulations issued by Government of India pertaining to Social media Apps and OTT Platforms."

On 4 July 2020, the Apex Court has partially modified its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for AORs and Parties for e-filing, mentioning, listing, and video conferencing hearing.

On 25 February 2021, the IT Rules were notified to regulate the functioning of online media portals, and publishers, OTT (Over the Top) platforms and social media intermediaries.

The Rules are designed with the purpose to check the misuse of social media platforms, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media firms, etc. It also requires all streaming services including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, to appoint executives to coordinate with law enforcement.

It further directs to disclose the first originator of the mischievous information and remove, within 24 hours, content depicting nudity or morphed pictures of women.

According to the guidelines social media intermediaries have to appoint a grievance officer, whose duty will be to register complaints within 24 hours, and file monthly compliance reports.

The Rules framed pursuant to the powers conferred by Section 79(2)(c) and Section 69A(2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) provides for the classification of films and other entertainment programs, including web series, bring digital news platforms within the ambit of regulations covering print and electronic media and seeks to rein in social media intermediaries.