E-Paper
Govt willing to bring stricter social media rules: Vaishnaw to Rajya Sabha
Union electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said action has been taken against applications such as Bulli Bai, which sparked outrage after photos of Muslim women were shared without their consent
The government is willing to bring stricter rules to make social media companies accountable and ensure the safety of citizens on the internet if there is consensus in the House, Union electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Rajya Sabha on Friday.
Vaishnaw said this in response to a query from Congress member Anand Sharma about more accountability from social media companies. Vaishnaw further added that law enforcement agencies take action on the basis of reports by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) or the ministry of electronics and information technology.
“There is also a central portal where such cases can be registered and forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agency... I agree with you that we have to come forward as a society and create greater accountability,” the minister said.
On January 3, HT had reported about a preliminary discussion paper circulated in the ministry regarding the need for an international standard law for social media companies.
The contours of the law were being discussed in the ministry. Officials familiar with the development said the new legislation may also expand to include user harm regulation and response, child safety concerns, moderation of political content, definitions and regulation of high-risk artificial technology, and privacy concerns surrounding new equipment such as wearable devices.
In response to a question regarding the action taken in the Bulli Bai and Sulli Deals apps -- both of which used pictures of Muslim women in an attempt to auction them -- Vaishnaw insisted immediate action had been taken.
Vaishnaw said it is not about religion but about the protection of women. “Whenever we try to regulate social media, the Opposition says that we are attacking freedom of speech. We need to bring a consensus to create an accountable social media ecosystem where women can feel safe,” he said.
“The action is not just superficial, but CERT-IN has conducted in-depth investigations,” he added.
