India’s Ministry of Electronics Urges Social Media to Combat Hoax Bomb Threats
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has issued an advisory to social media platforms and other intermediaries, emphasizing their role in curbing the spread of hoax bomb threats by airlines. These platforms are required to comply with the IT Act, 2000, the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
MeitY highlights the need for these platforms to promptly remove unlawful content to maintain public order and security. Hoax bomb threats not only disrupt public order and airline operations but also pose a threat to the country’s economic security. The rapid spread of such misinformation is facilitated by social media features like “forwarding,” “re-sharing,” and “re-tweeting.”
Intermediaries have a due diligence obligation under the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021, to remove misinformation that affects public order and state security. They must also report activities that could threaten India’s unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic stability under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Cooperation with government agencies is required, providing necessary information and assistance for investigations or cybersecurity efforts within 72 hours.
Doubts Revealed
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology -: This is a part of the Indian government that deals with technology and electronics. They make rules and policies about how technology should be used in India.
Social Media Platforms -: These are online places like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where people can share information, pictures, and videos with others.
Hoax Bomb Threats -: These are fake warnings about bombs that are not real. People sometimes spread these false alarms to cause panic or trouble.
IT Act, 2000 -: This is a law in India that deals with how information technology should be used. It includes rules about online behavior and digital transactions.
IT Rules, 2021 -: These are updated rules that guide how social media and digital platforms should operate in India. They focus on user safety and privacy.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 -: This is a set of laws in India that deals with justice and legal matters. It helps in maintaining law and order in the country.
Public Order -: This means keeping peace and safety in the community. It involves making sure that people follow laws and do not cause trouble.
Economic Security -: This refers to the stability of a country’s economy. It means having a strong and safe financial system that supports people’s well-being.
Government Investigations -: These are official inquiries conducted by the government to find out the truth about certain issues or incidents. They help in solving problems and ensuring justice.