Sahyog Portal, Features, Information Technology Act, Latest News

Why Sahyog Portal in News?

The Karnataka High Court recently upheld the Union government’s Sahyog portal, dismissing X Corporation’s plea that had termed it as “extra-legal censorship.”

What is Sahyog Portal?

The Sahyog Portal is an online platform launched by the Union Home Ministry in October 2024 to help remove illegal content from the internet quickly. It allows government agencies to send takedown notices directly to social media platforms and other online intermediaries. The portal operates under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, giving it legal backing. It ensures that intermediaries act fast while retaining safe harbour protections. Overall, it helps maintain a safe, secure, and lawful digital space in India.

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Sahyog Portal Features

• Centralised Communication: Connects government agencies, state/UT nodal officers, and 65 online intermediaries in a single platform.
• Automated Takedown Notices: Sends quick, documented notices to intermediaries for prompt removal of unlawful content.
• Legal Backing: Operates under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, ensuring legal enforcement and consequences for non-compliance.
• Separate from Section 69A: Focuses on intermediaries’ responsibility to disable unlawful content rather than government blocking powers.
• Public Good Tool: Strengthens cyber law enforcement and helps maintain a safe, secure, and accountable online ecosystem.

Sahyog Portal & Sections of IT Act

The Sahyog Portal operates under the Information Technology Act, 2000, providing a legal framework for online content regulation in India. Its main connection is with:

1. Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000

• This section provides safe harbour protections to intermediaries like social media platforms and online services.
• Under Sahyog, intermediaries must remove unlawful content promptly when notified by government authorities.
• Non-compliance with these notices can result in loss of safe harbour immunity, making intermediaries legally accountable.

2. Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000

• Section 69A gives the government the power to block public access to websites or content.
• Sahyog is different from Section 69A, as it focuses on intermediaries’ responsibility rather than direct government blocking.
• This ensures intermediaries take quick action on unlawful content while preserving legal safeguards.