New Delhi: The central government has urged major social media companies to expedite action on unlawful content circulating online, particularly concerning ongoing protests. The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to curb the spread of false, misleading, or manipulated information that could potentially disrupt public order and incite violence.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory on October 8, expressing significant concern over the online dissemination of information related to current protests. The ministry noted that such content, which may be false, misleading, manipulated, or presented out of context, poses a risk to public order and social tranquility.
The advisory highlights that unlawful content circulated online can lead to law and order concerns and potentially incite violence. To counter this, MeitY has directed large social media platforms to identify such content and prioritize its removal based on complaints received from authorised government bodies, including law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the directive emphasizes the need for social media platforms to label synthetically generated content, particularly when it pertains to ongoing events. This measure is intended to ensure transparency and prevent the propagation of deepfakes or other AI-generated misinformation that could mislead the public.
The Ministry has also impressed upon social media companies the importance of timely cooperation with law enforcement and other authorised government agencies. This includes providing necessary information and assistance as mandated by applicable laws, specifically the IT Rules, 2021, within stipulated timelines. The government seeks to ensure that platforms are responsive and accountable in managing online content that could have real-world consequences.
The IT Rules, 2021, empower the government to issue directions to intermediaries regarding unlawful content. These rules aim to provide a framework for the responsible functioning of social media platforms in India, balancing freedom of expression with the need to maintain public order and national security. The current advisory reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the digital space and mitigate the impact of misinformation campaigns.
Sources indicated that the advisory was prompted by a review of online discourse surrounding recent and ongoing public demonstrations, where instances of misinformation were identified. The government’s intervention underscores its commitment to ensuring the responsible use of social media and preventing its misuse for disruptive purposes. The focus remains on enabling platforms to act swiftly and effectively when alerted by official channels, thereby safeguarding the integrity of public discourse.
The Chenab Times News Desk