Facebook effect: Govt to to prevent misuse of Sec 66 if IT Act

However, noted cyber lawyer Pavan Duggal said while the intention is noble, the move will not help achieve the desired motive and is like "repairing a leaking roof with a bandage during rain".

"Only Parliamentary amendments in the IT Act can achieve the desired objective.

The issuance of guidelines without amending the IT Act are cosmetic changes to satisfy the backlash from social media," he added.

Pranesh Prakash, Policy Director at the Centre for Internet and Society said the guidelines are a welcome step and reflected the governments interest in addressing the issue.

He added that the government now needs to take a re-look at the penalties as there is a discussion on the internet freedom and freedom of speech globally.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and IT Kapil Sibal today met members of the civil society to discuss various sections of the IT Act and its impact as debates around free speech and online freedom gain ground.

So far, the government has maintained that it is the misinterpretation of IT Rules at ground level that is responsible for cropping up of such issues rather than the language of the legislation.

Though there was a broad consensus on most issues, it was felt that those around intermediaries needed to be discussed further.

It was also decided that regular meetings between the members of society and the ministry would be held to understand the happenings on the ground.

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