Government Advises Social Media platforms to comply with rules of Face Consequences

In the last few years, cases of spreading misinformation through social media have increased. There are also cases of making fake videos viral using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The central government has made preparations to deal with this. In this regard, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued an advisory to social media and other intermediaries asking them to ensure compliance with the existing IT rules.

State Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that a formal decision has been taken regarding this. Advisory A circular has been issued. It details the processes to ensure that users on social media platforms do not violate content prohibited under Rule 3 (1) (b). “If any such violation is reported or reported, action will be taken as per law,” he said. He said the ministry will strictly monitor compliance of these rules by intermediaries.

This advisory states that users should be given clear information about the content that is not allowed under IT rules. Last month, Facebook and YouTube were warned by the central government about deepfakes. Social media platforms including Facebook and YouTube were told that posting deepfakes and content that spreads obscenity or misinformation is prohibited under the country’s law.

A Reuters report quoted sources as saying that these companies have been warned in a meeting. Regarding this, Chandrashekhar had said that many social media companies have not updated the terms and conditions for their users despite the rules implemented last year. Under these rules, those who are harmful to children, obscene or imitating another person will be banned. Content has been banned. He said that these companies should raise awareness about the rules and inform users upon logging in that they cannot post such content. Cases of making fake videos of politicians and celebrities using Artificial Intelligence (AI) have increased. Such videos are called deepfakes. The government is preparing to make new regulations against this.