The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a directive to social media platforms, urging them to significantly enhance their diligence in monitoring and preventing the spread of false, misleading, and manipulated content. This advisory comes amidst ongoing public events and developments in the capital, including a notable CJP protest, which authorities believe could be exploited to disrupt public order.
MeitY Flags Content Affecting Public Order
MeitY emphasized that the circulation of such content has the potential to create widespread confusion, foster apprehension, disturb social tranquility, and contribute to law-and-order concerns. The government has observed instances where information on social media could undermine public trust and incite unrest.
Under the new advisory, social media intermediaries are mandated to take proactive measures to identify, prevent the promotion of, and ultimately remove unlawful information as defined by the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
Specific Content Types Targeted
- Recycled Visuals: Old or archived photographs and videos presented as current events.
- Synthetic Content: Digitally altered or synthetically generated audio-visual material.
- Impersonation: Content involving the impersonation of public authorities or individuals.
- Incitement: Material designed to incite violence or other illegal activities.
Platforms are also advised to appropriately label or contextualize any manipulated, synthetically generated, or misleading content, especially when it purports to depict a current event. This ensures users are aware of the content's true nature.
Enhanced Cooperation with Government Agencies
The advisory instructs platforms to prioritize reports and complaints received from authorized government agencies, particularly when the content has potential implications for public order. This expedited response mechanism is crucial for mitigating immediate threats.
Furthermore, social media intermediaries are expected to undertake awareness campaigns, encouraging users to verify the authenticity, source, and date of information before sharing or forwarding it. This aims to foster a more responsible online environment.
Platforms must also cooperate promptly with law-enforcement agencies and other authorized government bodies, providing necessary information or assistance in accordance with applicable laws and within the timelines prescribed by the IT Rules, 2021.
Strengthening Internal Mechanisms
MeitY has recommended that platforms review and strengthen their existing monitoring, escalation, and grievance-redressal mechanisms. The goal is to enable a rapid response to content capable of causing widespread confusion, panic, violence, or disruption of public order.
The advisory underscores that any actions taken by platforms must remain consistent with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the IT Rules, 2021, and other relevant laws. These measures are to be implemented with immediate effect, reinforcing the government's commitment to promoting responsible information dissemination and preserving public order while upholding lawful expression.