THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF FREE SPEECH: RETHINKING MEDIA LAWS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

ABSTRACT The author of this paper explores the evolution of digital media and the transformation of media dimensions in India. The media regulations in India have undergone a significant transformation from the inception of the British era to the current era of digital media dominance. Regulations were implemented in colonial India with the intention of restricting the press's freedom. Subsequently, post-independence regulations were implemented with the objective of promoting media freedom and ensuring the continued dissemination of accurate information. The nature, scope, and ambit of media regulations have been evolving over time. Despite the fact that the freedom of the media is highly valued in independent India, efforts have been made to align the media with the political ideologies of the governing government in order to regulate it. It is evident that the fulcrum of media regulations was established in colonial India, and the world's largest democracy has never been able to escape the shackles of British-origin media regulations and frequently relies on them. The Indian media regulating system has undergone significant transformation and structural reorganization to address technology improvements. With the ascendance of digital media, a regulatory framework is being established for it. Although self-regulation is currently the predominant method for regulating digital media, its ineffectiveness in addressing issues such as vulgarity, obscenity, and information crises necessitates state intervention. This study elucidates the necessity of state intervention in the regulation of digital media. It also examines the implications for media freedom. Keywords - Freedom of Speech and Expression, Social Media, Digital Media, Constitution, Freedom of Press, Human Rights etc.