Omission by Design? India’s new Telecommunications Law
On 12 June 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026. The rules consolidate six legacy frameworks into one. They cover satellite TV, DTH, HITS, FM radio, community radio, and IPTV. They replace the colonial Indian Telegraph Act of 1885. However, they do not cover FAST channels, social media, digital news, or creators on YouTube and Instagram. The omission is striking because it comes at a moment when regulators are actively debating whether such services should be brought under formal oversight. The issue has already exposed a fault line across the media industry. A 1885 law has been redesigned for satellite and cable in 2026. The internet is being left to a different room. The omission is not a gap. It is a deliberate design choice. News Source: Press Information Bureau
News Source: Press Information Bureau