The IT Act's intermediary definition includes entities that facilitate transmission, storage, or processing of electronic data on behalf of others. Cyber cafes provide internet access, social media platforms host user content, and ISPs provide network connectivity — all qualify. Telecom regulators (like TRAI) are regulatory bodies, not service intermediaries — they regulate the ecosystem but don't themselves receive, store, or transmit data on behalf of users. This distinction between operators and regulators is crucial.

1. 1 Pick up IT Act, 2000.
2. 2 Go to Section 2(1)(w) — definition of 'intermediary'.
3. 3 Read the list: includes ISPs, web-hosting, search engines, cyber cafes, online payment sites, etc.
4. 4 Check: cyber cafes ✓, social media platforms ✓, ISPs ✓. Telecom REGULATORS ✗ (regulators regulate, they don't transmit/store data).

The text reads: Section 2(1)(w) IT Act: 'Intermediary' means any person who on behalf of another receives, stores or transmits electronic records, and includes telecom service providers, ISPs, cyber cafes, search engines, and online marketplaces.