X stopped publishing compliance reports after synthetic media rules came into force
X has not published any compliance reports since India's synthetic-media rules took effect on February 20, 2026, despite being required to do so by the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
X has stopped publishing compliance reports since the synthetic-media rules came into force, despite being required to do so by the IT Rules, 2021. This has raised concerns about the company's compliance with the new regulations.
X, a social media company, is required to report how it handles complaints and removes bad content in India. However, since new rules came into force, X has stopped publishing these reports, which is causing concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Analysis
Rule 4(1)(d) Obligation
X is required to publish periodic compliance reports every month, mentioning the details of complaints received and action taken thereon. This obligation is mandated by Rule 4(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Rule 7 of the IT Rules, 2021, spells out the consequences of non-compliance. An intermediary that fails to observe the Rules can lose the exemption from liability that Section 79(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, grants it for third-party content.
X's Silence
X acknowledges the obligation on its transparency page, stating that it publishes a monthly report regarding its processing of reports from users in India. However, since the synthetic-media rules came into force, X has not published any compliance reports. This silence is all the more conspicuous because X is simultaneously fighting the Sahyog portal case in the Supreme Court over content-takedown architecture.
WhatsApp and Meta's Compliance
In contrast, WhatsApp and Meta have continued to publish their compliance reports, showing an unbroken monthly sequence. This highlights the gap in X's compliance and raises questions about the company's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Key points
- X has not published any compliance reports since the synthetic-media rules came into force.
- X is required to publish periodic compliance reports every month, mentioning the details of complaints received and action taken thereon.
- Rule 7 of the IT Rules, 2021, spells out the consequences of non-compliance, including the loss of exemption from liability.
- WhatsApp and Meta have continued to publish their compliance reports, highlighting the gap in X's compliance.
If X publishes its pending reports and implements the required technical measures, it may be able to regain its exemption from liability and improve its reputation in India.
If X continues to ignore its compliance obligations, it may face significant consequences, including the loss of its exemption from liability and damage to its reputation in India.
