Google Withholds YouTube Video Over Religious Defamation in India

Why in news

Google informed the Delhi High Court regarding the withholding of a YouTube video due to religious defamation, highlighting the enforcement of the IT Rules and the role of the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC).

Background

Google withheld a video by influencer Dhruv Rathee following a directive from the Centre’s Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC). The Delhi High Court is reviewing the partial compliance of the platform regarding global vs. domestic removal of content.

Facts for Prelims

• BodyGrievance Appellate Committee (GAC): A body established under the IT Rules to handle complaints regarding content moderation.
• Act / BillInformation Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Governs content moderation and liability of social media intermediaries.
• FactThe Delhi High Court scheduled further hearings for September 3, 2026, regarding the timeline of content removal.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing freedom of speech with the regulation of digital content under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Freedom of speech vs. public order
• Liability of intermediaries
• Jurisdictional challenges in global content removal

Keywords: Intermediary liability · Content moderation · Freedom of speech · Digital governance

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