Content Removal and Appeals Face Delays in India
Content removal processes on online platforms in India are experiencing significant delays, with appeals taking up to four months or more. This is hindering users' ability to seek timely redress for removed content.
Content removal from online platforms and the subsequent appeals process in India are facing significant backlogs, leaving creators with prolonged waits for redress. Reports indicate that users can expect to wait up to four months or longer for appeals to be resolved by government bodies.
The issue stems from multiple routes of content removal, including copyright strikes, community guideline violations, and unexplained takedowns. Each route has a different remedy, but none are proving to be swift. A particular concern is content removed without notice, offering no clear path for appeal.
The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), established under IT Rules, 2021, acts as the primary appeal body. However, data tracked by SFLC.in shows a dramatic increase in pending appeals, soaring from 174 in November 2025 to over 30,000 by September 2026. Former IT Ministry official Rakesh Maheshwari suggested the surge might be due to external users, bots, or automated takedowns.
Despite the systemic delays, the appeal mechanism can deliver results. SFLC.in's RightsLine helpline has successfully helped users reinstate content and recover ad revenue through GAC appeals, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of the process when it functions as intended. However, the current pendency diminishes its value for individuals needing prompt resolution.