After the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a parliamentary committee on Information Technology has raised serious concerns about the role of social media in spreading anti-national content. The panel has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to consider strong action including a possible ban against platforms failing to comply with national interests.
Why Is the Committee Concerned?
In the aftermath of the attack, several posts and videos on social media were found promoting or glorifying terrorism, creating public unrest, or spreading misinformation. The committee believes that such content can damage national unity and incite violence.
What Law Supports Their Demand?
The committee referred to:
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – This law gives the government power to block online content that threatens the security of India or public order.
- IT Rules, 2021 – These rules hold social media companies and digital news platforms accountable for harmful or unlawful content. Platforms must remove such content quickly when flagged by authorities.
What Did the Committee Ask For?
The IT committee has officially asked MeitY and MIB to:
- Provide a report on what actions are being taken.
- Consider banning platforms that repeatedly allow anti-national posts.
- Ensure strict monitoring and compliance by social media intermediaries.
What Could Happen Next?
If the ministries agree with the committee, we may see:
- Stricter rules for platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.
- Permanent or temporary bans on platforms that ignore takedown requests.
- More government oversight of digital content in India.
Public Reaction So Far:
Reactions are mixed. Some support the move, saying national security comes first. Others worry it could affect freedom of speech and increase censorship.
Conclusion:
The debate between national security and digital freedom is back in focus. With increasing misuse of social platforms for spreading anti-national content, the government now faces the tough task of balancing free speech with security concerns. The coming weeks will be important to watch as MeitY and MIB respond to the committee’s demand.
