Government announces new social media rules to curb its misuse

Government announces new social media rules to curb its misuse

Question: On 25th February 2021, centre has notified “Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021”. What is the purpose of this guideline?
a) To provide ethical codes for TV news channels
b) To provide guidelines for print media
c) To provide guidelines on social media regulations to curb its misuse
d) None of the above
Ans: c)
Context

  • The Central government has notified the new guidelines on social media regulations called “Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021” on February 25, 2021.

Facts

  • Aim of the new guideline is to regulate social media and OTT platforms.
  • These rules are “soft-touch oversight” mechanism to deal with issues such as persistent spread of fake news, abuse of social media platforms to share morphed images of women and contents related to revenge porn or to settle corporate rivalries.
  • It will compel social media intermediaries, platforms such as WhatsApp to aid in identifying the “originator” of “unlawful” messages.
  • It will also require the likes of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to take down such messages within a specific time-frame, set up grievance redressal mechanisms as well as assist government agencies in investigation.
  • The new guidelines on social media were framed in accordance with the section 87 (2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • These guidelines were released after having an elaborate consultation with the public as well as the stakeholders. They were consulted to negate the concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and rights related to digital media.
  • This code also covers Over the top apps and streaming apps like amazon prime etc.

Guidelines for OTT platforms, digital media

  • Government has brought in detailed guidelines for digital content on both digital media and Over the Top (OTT) platforms, while giving overriding powers to the government to step in.
  • The rules call for a three-tier regulation mechanism for over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, YouTube, etc and require them to self-classify their content into five categories based on age suitability. OTT platforms will have to self-classify content into five age-based categories — U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).

By kameshwar shukla

Reference: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1700749