SAHYOG Portal: MHA Platform for Blocking Unlawful Online Content
Why in the news
The SAHYOG portal drew attention in March 2025 as Central and State governments were already sending blocking orders through it, while platforms like X pushed back, saying it could bypass legal safeguards and become a censorship tool.
Key facts
- Developed by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- What it is: a platform that puts central and state agencies and online intermediaries on one system for sending and acting on blocking orders.
- Mission: a strong system for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.
How it works
- Automates legal notices to platforms such as social media apps and websites.
- Notices come from the Appropriate Government or its agencies under the IT Act, 2000.
- On receipt, platforms are expected to remove or block access to illegal or harmful content.
- It targets information, data or communication links used to spread misinformation, break laws, endanger public safety or commit other unlawful acts.
Significance and concerns
- Speeds up coordination and removes delays from manual communication.
- Debate continues over transparency, legal limits and freedom of expression.
Exam angle
- Developed by: MHA. Legal basis for notices: IT Act, 2000.