The Indian Government today have announced new set of rules and guidelines for news sites and OTT platforms. These rules are set to empower social media users said Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
These rules include strict oversight mechanism involving several ministries and code of ethics. These are done to ban content that affect the "sovereignty and integrity of India" and threaten the national security. The "Toolkit" which was shared by Climate Activist Greta Thunberg and Disha Ravi are some examples which the IT are now looking to track down in the future.
Here are some of the major rules-
- Social Media Giants such as Facebook,Twitter, Instagram etc will have to appoint India based compliance officer. If they (officer) remove content, they will be required to inform the user about this action and give reasons to remove their post and hear them out.
- Social Media sites will have to disclose the "first originator" of a mischievous message. Many times we have seen fake message been spread through social media. If they don't disclose the name, a punishment of 5 years can be sentenced.
- The oversight mechanism will include a comittee with representatives from ministries of Defence,I&B,law,External Affairs,IT,Home and Women and Children Development.
- The Government will appoint a officer of the rank of a Joint Security as an "Authorised Officer". This officer can direct the blocking of a content.
- Self Classification for OTT Platforms on content that is 13 plus, 16 plus or adults on the basis of age,sex, violence and nudity.
- Digital news media will follow rules under the Press Council of India. News websites will have to be Registered under the Information and Broadcasting ministry site.
- An intermediary has to within 24 hours of a Complaint remove or disable access of content that is found to be offensive or illegal.
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