Other Indian activists have also warned that the regulations could be challenged in court. I think these new rules are extremely worrisome because they are imposing a regulation on free speech and privacy without any backing of law, Nikhil Pahwa, founder of a digital news portal and a cyber activist, told AFP. In my opinion all these rules should be challenged in court and if they are, I doubt they would hold up.
Facebook and Twitter, for whom India s 1.3 billion people are a key market, have said they are studying the guidelines. We look forward to continued engagement with the government of India to strike a balance between transparency, freedom of expression, and privacy, said a Twitter spokesperson.
India Introduces New Rules to Regulate Online Content
The new regulations would require social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to swiftly erase content authorities deem unlawful.
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February 26, 2021
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India on Thursday rolled out new regulations for social media companies and digital streaming websites to make them more accountable for the online content shared on their platforms, giving the government more power to police it.
The Information Technology Ministry said the new regulations would require social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to swiftly erase content authorities deem unlawful. The regulations include a strict oversight mechanism that would allow the government to ban content affecting “the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
Indian social media rules could threaten free expression, critics warn
Under new rules, digital platforms can be forced to remove content SAMAA | AFP - Posted: Feb 26, 2021 | Last Updated: 3 weeks ago SAMAA | AFP Posted: Feb 26, 2021 | Last Updated: 3 weeks ago
India s Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar addresses a press conference on social media platforms, in New Delhi on Feb. 25, 2021. (Photo: AFP)
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Internet freedom advocates on Friday warned new Indian social media regulations could pose a threat to freedom of expression, after New Delhi announced plans for tough new rules that could force platforms to remove content it deems objectionable.
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Fake news is a big concern, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
Highlighting that the government welcomes criticism and the right to dissent, Law and Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that the Centre is concerned over rampant abuse of platform as he laid down new rules for social media and OTT platforms.
Social media platforms must have provision for voluntary verification of users, Prasad said, adding that media freedom absolute but with responsible behaviour. Fake news a big concern, he said.
The government said OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video) would have to self-classify the content into five age-based categories - U (Universal), U/A 7+ (years), U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).