Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued an advisory directing social media platforms to proactively remove obscene and pornographic content, warning of legal action for non-compliance under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. The move follows judicial concerns over the growing prevalence of online obscenity.
Key Highlights:
Government Directive & Legal Basis
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MeitY instructed platforms to strictly comply with IT Rules, 2021, especially provisions related to prohibited content.
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Advisory follows a Supreme Court directive urging the government to take effective steps against online obscenity.
Technology & Compliance Requirements
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Large social media intermediaries (with over 5 million users) must deploy automated tools for detection and removal of obscene content.
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Platforms are required to act proactively, not merely on user complaints.
Liability & Enforcement
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Non-compliance may invite action under the IT Act, 2000 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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Failure to adhere may result in loss of Safe Harbor protection, exposing platforms to criminal liability.
Institutional Mechanisms
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Mandatory appointment of a Grievance Redressal Officer in India to handle user complaints and government directives.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Proliferation of obscene and pornographic content on social media platforms.
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Causes: Inadequate content moderation, high user volume, misuse of anonymity online.
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Government Initiatives:
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IT Act, 2000
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IT Rules, 2021 (Due Diligence by Intermediaries)
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Benefits:
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Safer digital environment
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Protection of minors and societal morality
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Challenges:
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Defining “obscenity” objectively
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Balancing regulation with freedom of speech
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Impact:
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Increased accountability of intermediaries
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Strengthening digital governance
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Definitions:
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Intermediary: Entity enabling transmission or hosting of online content.
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Safe Harbor: Conditional immunity from liability for third-party content.
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Constitutional Angle:
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Article 19(1)(a) vs reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
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Institutions Involved: MeitY, Judiciary, Social Media Intermediaries.
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Way Forward:
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Clearer content classification guidelines
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Transparent grievance redressal mechanisms
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Judicial oversight to prevent arbitrary censorship
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Capacity-building for AI-based moderation with human oversight
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: Governance, Polity, Judiciary–Executive relations
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GS 3: Science & Technology, Cyber Security, Internal Security