Vaishnaw Calls for Stronger Laws to Address Social Media Obscenity
1 month, 1 week ago

Vaishnaw Calls for Stronger Laws to Address Social Media Obscenity

Deccan Chronicle  

Vaishnaw highlighted that the rise of deepfakes, misinformation, and slanderous material poses significant societal risks. To tackle these issues, the government is revising intermediary rules to ensure platforms take proactive measures in identifying and addressing such content. He also underscored the development of an institutional framework for the digital economy, which includes recently enacted legislations like the Telecom Bill and the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. Vaishnaw stressed the importance of a global consensus on the regulation of digital platforms, urging collective action to enhance accountability mechanisms. In response to concerns raised by lawmakers about difficulties in addressing defamatory online content, Vaishnaw assured that the new regulations would simplify the process for victims seeking redressal.

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History of this topic

Celebrities hit back at social media trolls with defamation suits to safeguard their reputations
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Celebrities hit back at social media trolls with defamation suits to safeguard their reputations

Live Mint  

Celebrities are increasingly considering filing suits against media platforms that carry defamatory content by trolls, having become more cognisant of the damage that can be caused as the dissemination and consumption of content on the Internet surges. “In India, celebrities increasingly resort to filing defamation suits against media outlets, including traditional media houses and social media platforms. This trend has …

Need stricter laws to curb ‘vulgar content’ on OTT, says Ashwini Vaishnaw
1 month, 1 week ago

Need stricter laws to curb ‘vulgar content’ on OTT, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Hindustan Times  

Stronger laws are required to deal with obscenity in social media, Union minister of information and broadcasting and electronics and information technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, especially since they lack the editorial checks of traditional media. Vaishnaw was responding to first time BJP MP Arun Govil’s question on whether a mechanism existed to check “telecast …

Ashwini Vaishnaw urges stronger regulations for social media, OTT content
1 month, 1 week ago

Ashwini Vaishnaw urges stronger regulations for social media, OTT content

Live Mint  

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that there is a need to strengthen existing regulations to curb vulgar content on social media and over-the-top platforms, and called for a consensus on the same. Acknowledging the distinct cultural differences between India and the geographies where these platforms originated, Vaishnaw pointed out that India's cultural sensitivities differ greatly from those of …

Need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media: Vaishnaw
1 month, 1 week ago

Need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media: Vaishnaw

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The government is mulling stringent laws to check vulgar content on social media posts and other platforms like over-the-top or OTT, saying that such platforms are required to appoint grievance officers and set up a mechanism for addressing user complaints. "There is a need to make existing laws more stringent laws to curb vulgar content on social media …

Doesn't match our culture: Minister for laws to curb social media vulgar content
1 month, 1 week ago

Doesn't match our culture: Minister for laws to curb social media vulgar content

India Today  

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday called for laws to curb objectionable content on social media and hoped that the Opposition would have a discussion on the same. The government has urged social media platforms to be more proactive in content moderation, especially when it comes to harmful or illegal content. It said that social media companies …

Need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media: I&B Minister Vaishnaw
1 month, 1 week ago

Need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media: I&B Minister Vaishnaw

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Today, social media is a platform for freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour. There is a need to make existing …

Want to combat online misinformation? Regulate the architecture of social media platforms, not their content
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Want to combat online misinformation? Regulate the architecture of social media platforms, not their content

ABC  

Over the past couple of decades, social media platforms have evolved from simple networking sites into powerful forces that shape public opinion, influence elections, impact public health, and affect social cohesion. The growing role of social media platforms in disseminating information and the need to ensure the integrity of this information make discussions about regulation more urgent than ever. Focus …

Government strengthens Online Safety Act to crack down on revenge porn
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Government strengthens Online Safety Act to crack down on revenge porn

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The sharing of revenge porn is to be classified as the …

Swinney: Social media giants must crack down on ‘dangerous’ disinformation
5 months ago

Swinney: Social media giants must crack down on ‘dangerous’ disinformation

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy John Swinney has urged social media giants to …

Deepfake menace: Govt warns of stern action, meets social media platforms
1 year, 1 month ago

Deepfake menace: Govt warns of stern action, meets social media platforms

Live Mint  

To tackle the deepfake issue, a review meeting between the government and the social media platforms was held on Tuesday, said a report by PTI citing sources. According to the report, some social media platforms have complied and those who are “slow” in doing so have been given additional time. In Tuesday's meeting, the government has made it clear that …

On deepfakes on social media platforms, government's big move to help citizens
1 year, 1 month ago

On deepfakes on social media platforms, government's big move to help citizens

India Today  

The government will assign a special officer to look into the deepfake menace on online platforms and also to assist citizens in filing FIRs as and when they spot fake content online, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Friday. "From today onwards, MeitY and the Government of India will nominate a Rule Seven officer and will …

New regulation to tackle deepfakes soon; Vaishnaw meets social media platforms
1 year, 1 month ago

New regulation to tackle deepfakes soon; Vaishnaw meets social media platforms

The Hindu  

Terming deepfakes as a new threat to democracy, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday said that the government will come up with new regulations soon to tackle deepfakes. The minister, who met social media platforms on the deepfake issue on Thursday, said that companies have agreed on the need for clear actionable work in areas such as detection, prevention, strengthening …

Deepfake: New regulation for social media platforms on cards, accused to be penalised | Deets inside
1 year, 1 month ago

Deepfake: New regulation for social media platforms on cards, accused to be penalised | Deets inside

India TV News  

With the rising cases related to DeepFake, which was recently flagged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent celebrities, it has been reported that the government and social media companies are working towards bringing detailed guidelines for detecting, preventing and spreading of such misleading and fake video content within the next ten days. Addressing a press conference after …

Social media platforms to be summoned over deepfake issue
1 year, 1 month ago

Social media platforms to be summoned over deepfake issue

The Hindu  

Amid serious concerns over 'deepfake' videos, the government is all set to meet social media platforms on the issue, with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday asserting that safe harbour immunity clause will not apply if platforms do not take adequate steps to remove deepfakes. Mr. Vaishnaw also made it clear that the ‘safe harbour immunity’ which platforms currently …

The Supreme Court Is Reconsidering Its Entire Approach to the Internet. Uh-Oh.
1 year, 1 month ago

The Supreme Court Is Reconsidering Its Entire Approach to the Internet. Uh-Oh.

Slate  

This is part of Opening Arguments, Slate’s coverage of the start of the latest Supreme Court term. By the end of next June, the Supreme Court will decide whether state laws compelling social media platforms to carry content they would otherwise exclude violate the platforms’ free speech rights, whether federal agencies and officials have unlawfully coerced platforms to remove posts …

After actor’s viral video, IT ministry sends social media firms two letters on deepfake regulations
1 year, 2 months ago

After actor’s viral video, IT ministry sends social media firms two letters on deepfake regulations

Hindustan Times  

The Union ministry of electronics and IT on Tuesday directed social media platforms to ensure that they act to weed out misinformation and deepfakes as mandated by Indian law, a day after a viral fake video of Telugu actor Rashmika Mandanna sparked concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence and its potential to further gender violence online. They are further …

Elon Musk’s social media site X sues California over the state’s content moderation law
1 year, 4 months ago

Elon Musk’s social media site X sues California over the state’s content moderation law

Associated Press  

Elon Musk’s social media platform formerly known as Twitter has sued the state of California over a law requiring social media companies to publish their policies for removing offending material such as hate speech, misinformation and harassment. In a lawsuit filed Friday against state Attorney General Robert Bonta, X Corp. challenges the “constitutionality and legal validity” of the law, saying …

Reclaiming The Freedom Of Speech And Expression In An Orwellian Dystopia
1 year, 8 months ago

Reclaiming The Freedom Of Speech And Expression In An Orwellian Dystopia

Live Law  

The median age of this graduating class, I'm guessing, is 23. The India Press Freedom Report 2020 by the Rights & Risks Analysis Group documented the targeting of at least 228 journalists and media houses through FIRs, show cause notices requiring appearance during lockdowns, detention and questioning by the police without registration of any formal case. On 7 March 2022, …

Reviewing ‘safe harbour’ protections under Digital India bill: MoS Chandrasekhar
1 year, 10 months ago

Reviewing ‘safe harbour’ protections under Digital India bill: MoS Chandrasekhar

Hindustan Times  

The government is reconsidering “safe harbour” protections for social media companies as it looks to classify them based on the functions they perform, the junior minister for electronics and technology said on Thursday during a consultation meeting for the much-awaited Digital India bill. “There is a need for a different set of rules for each class of intermediaries,” Union minister …

IT Ministry notifies officials to hear social media complaint appeals
1 year, 11 months ago

IT Ministry notifies officials to hear social media complaint appeals

The Hindu  

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Friday notified nine officials to act as members of the Grievance Appellate Committees set up by the Union government, to hear appeals by social media users. The committees, which were formulated under a 2022 amendment of the Information Technology Rules, 2021, will be able to pass orders to ask social media platforms …

New IT rules to put more obligations on social media platforms to act against unlawful content, misinformation: Rajeev Chandrasekhar
2 years, 2 months ago

New IT rules to put more obligations on social media platforms to act against unlawful content, misinformation: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

The Hindu  

IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on October 29 said the latest amendment of IT rules will put more definite due diligence obligations on social media companies to make efforts that no unlawful content or misinformation is posted on their platforms. The government on October 28 notified rules under which it will set up appellate panels to redress grievances that users may …

Government to bring legal changes, regulations needed for greater social media accountability: Ashwini Vaishnaw
2 years, 6 months ago

Government to bring legal changes, regulations needed for greater social media accountability: Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Hindu  

Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said there is a clear consensus in the country on making social media platforms more accountable, and assured that the government will bring legal changes and regulations needed to do so. Within media groups, the self-regulation needed.self regulation will be done.but whereever needed, we will take all steps to make social media more …

Free speech and social media: Reset the debate
2 years, 8 months ago

Free speech and social media: Reset the debate

Hindustan Times  

Social media platforms achieved unbridled growth by adopting a laissez faire approach to user-generated content. However, since all major social media platforms were based primarily in the United States, their content moderation policies drew upon American First Amendment principles to restrict only narrowly defined categories of content. However, it can be argued that, for social media platforms, “free speech” is …

'Social Media Made Posting Hate Speech Difficult in US, Not So in India': Union Min Vaishnaw Calls for Better Self-regulation
2 years, 11 months ago

'Social Media Made Posting Hate Speech Difficult in US, Not So in India': Union Min Vaishnaw Calls for Better Self-regulation

News 18  

Social media platforms should show improvement in accountability and self-regulation, said Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, in an interview on Sunday. Vaishnaw said taking action for potential misuse of the platform in terms of igniting law and order situations, compromising people’s dignity is “non-negotiable”. What is the grievances redressal mechanism?” Vaishnaw responded to …

Twitter files lawsuit against German online reporting rule
2 years, 11 months ago

Twitter files lawsuit against German online reporting rule

The Hindu  

Twitter has taken legal action against a rule, coming into force in Germany from Tuesday, that obliges social media firms to block or delete criminal content quickly and report particularly serious criminal offences to the police, a German court confirmed on Monday. The lawsuit filed at the administrative court in Cologne challenges a provision under Germany's expanded anti-hate speech regulations …

Haugen urges lawmakers to avert impasse on social media laws
3 years, 1 month ago

Haugen urges lawmakers to avert impasse on social media laws

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Ex-Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen implored lawmakers Wednesday to avert the usual congressional stalemates as they weigh proposals to curb abuses on social media platforms by limiting the companies’ free-speech protections against legal liability. Enacted when many of the most powerful social media companies didn’t even exist, the law allowed companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google to …

Facebook’s safety head tells U.K. lawmakers it does not amplify hate
3 years, 2 months ago

Facebook’s safety head tells U.K. lawmakers it does not amplify hate

The Hindu  

Facebook Inc's algorithms demote rather than promote polarising content, its global head of safety told British lawmakers on Thursday, adding that the U.S. company would welcome effective government regulation. "I don't agree that we are amplifying hate," Davis told the committee on Thursday, adding: "I think we try to take in signals to ensure that we demote content that is …

'Where does the buck stop?': UK lawmakers grill Facebook over online safety
3 years, 2 months ago

'Where does the buck stop?': UK lawmakers grill Facebook over online safety

Firstpost  

Representatives from Google, Twitter and TikTok also will be questioned by members of a parliamentary committee scrutinizing the British government’s draft online safety legislation London: British lawmakers grilled Facebook on Thursday over how it handles online safety as European countries move to rein in the power of social media companies, with the tech giant’s head of safety saying the company …

Facebook will adopt new policies to address harassment targeting public figures
3 years, 2 months ago

Facebook will adopt new policies to address harassment targeting public figures

NPR  

Facebook will adopt new policies to address harassment targeting public figures Enlarge this image toggle caption Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images Facebook will expand its current harassment policies to further protect users from abuse and harmful content on the platform. Facebook said in its announcement that it would remove "severe sexualizing content" and some other …

Facebook bans German accounts under new ‘social harm’ policy
3 years, 3 months ago

Facebook bans German accounts under new ‘social harm’ policy

Associated Press  

Facebook removed almost 150 accounts and pages linked to anti-lockdown demonstrators in Germany, the company announced Thursday, under a new policy focused on groups that spread misinformation or incite violence but who don’t fit into the platform’s existing categories of bad actors. The action is the first under Facebook’s new policy focused on preventing “coordinated social harm,” which company officials …

With new rules for digital media, the noose tightens
3 years, 9 months ago

With new rules for digital media, the noose tightens

The Hindu  

IN a wide-ranging move aimed at controlling content on the Internet, the Ministries of Electronics and Information Technology and Information and Broadcasting issued the Information Technology Rules, 2021, that purport to regulate digital media, social media and over the top platforms. The rules, it said, are aimed at addressing concerns about the “lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users …

On Centre's new guidelines for digital media, OTT platforms
3 years, 10 months ago

On Centre's new guidelines for digital media, OTT platforms

The Hindu  

The government, on February 25, under the ambit of the Information Technology Rules 2021, brought in detailed guidelines for digital content on both digital media and Over The Top platforms, while giving overriding powers to the government to step in. The new rules were unveiled at a joint press conference by Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Information and …

GOP pushes bills to allow social media ‘censorship’ lawsuits
3 years, 10 months ago

GOP pushes bills to allow social media ‘censorship’ lawsuits

Associated Press  

Republican state lawmakers are pushing for social media giants to face costly lawsuits for policing content on their websites, taking aim at a federal law that prevents internet companies from being sued for removing posts. “And the idea that you would create a cause of action that would allow people to sue when that happens is deeply problematic under the …

The Hindu Explains | Why has the government announced new guidelines to regulate digital content?
3 years, 10 months ago

The Hindu Explains | Why has the government announced new guidelines to regulate digital content?

The Hindu  

The story so far: On Thursday, in a long-anticipated move, the government notified guidelines that seek to provide a grievance redressal mechanism for users of digital platforms of all kinds — social media sites, messaging apps, over-the-top streaming services, and digital news publishers. The Information Technology Rules, 2021 also mandate that social media and messaging platforms will have to adhere …

Govt's New Social Media Guidelines Require Platforms to Submit Monthly Compliance Report: Key Highlights
3 years, 10 months ago

Govt's New Social Media Guidelines Require Platforms to Submit Monthly Compliance Report: Key Highlights

News 18  

Alongside the new guidelines for OTT platforms over classification ratings and grievance redressals, the government of India has also launched new guidelines for social media platforms that include punishment for publishing offensive content, social media platforms having to publish a monthly compliance report, and the removal of offensive content within 24 hours, among other rules. The new set of guidelines …

Govt announces new rules to regulate news, digital content; says double standards unacceptable | 10 points
3 years, 10 months ago

Govt announces new rules to regulate news, digital content; says double standards unacceptable | 10 points

India Today  

The Centre on Thursday announced new guidelines to regulate digital content, including social media and over-the-top streaming services, to curb the 'misuse' of these platforms. Saying that concerns have been raised about rampant abuse of social media platforms, the spread of fake news, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the ministry prepared a draft in December 2018. This should be …

Facebook, Twitter outpaced by smaller platforms in fight against harmful content
3 years, 11 months ago

Facebook, Twitter outpaced by smaller platforms in fight against harmful content

The Hindu  

Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet's YouTube made smaller strides than their social media rivals including TikTok and Reddit at battling harmful content such as hate speech and misinformation during the second half of 2020, a study released on Monday showed. Advertising agency IPG Mediabrands released its "Media Responsibility Index," examining how the top social media platforms performed in 10 areas including …

how social media fared in 2020
4 years ago

how social media fared in 2020

The Hindu  

The year 2020 was crucial for Facebook and Twitter, testing the social networks' abilities to curb hate speech and misinformation. Actions in India Facebook was summoned by the joint parliamentary committee in September to discuss how the company allegedly failed to regulate the content favouring the country’s ruling Hindu nationalist party. Several users including author Salman Rushdie and Congress leader …

Coronavirus vaccine: Labour calls for emergency censorship laws for anti-vax content
4 years, 1 month ago

Coronavirus vaccine: Labour calls for emergency censorship laws for anti-vax content

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government should bring forward emergency legislation to “stamp out” dangerous …

Threat to democracy? Tech CEOs in hot seat over liability shield
4 years, 2 months ago

Threat to democracy? Tech CEOs in hot seat over liability shield

Al Jazeera  

The CEOs of Twitter, Facebook and Alphabet Inc are testifying before a United States Senate committee on Wednesday over the protections they have under the Communications Decency Act. The CEOs of Twitter, Facebook and Alphabet Inc are set to testify virtually before the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on Wednesday over whether to repeal a section …

Justice Department wants to upend Silicon Valley’s legal shield
4 years, 6 months ago

Justice Department wants to upend Silicon Valley’s legal shield

CNN  

CNN Business — The Justice Department on Wednesday proposed a sweeping set of policy recommendations seeking to curtail legal protections of Facebook, Google and other major tech platforms, marking the latest move in Washington’s escalating attempts to rein in social media companies. The pandemic, it argues, has forced Americans to rely on internet services “more than ever.” The initiative aims …

As Trump Targets Twitter's Legal Shield, Experts Have A Warning
4 years, 7 months ago

As Trump Targets Twitter's Legal Shield, Experts Have A Warning

NPR  

As Trump Targets Twitter's Legal Shield, Experts Have A Warning Enlarge this image toggle caption Matt Rourke/AP Matt Rourke/AP President Trump has a new rallying cry in his escalating crusade against Twitter. "It's pretty simple: if Twitter and Google and the rest are going to editorialize and censor and act like traditional publishers, they should be treated like traditional publishers …

Confronting viral disinformation: a Future Tense event recap.
4 years, 9 months ago

Confronting viral disinformation: a Future Tense event recap.

Slate  

This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. That question was central to “Confronting Viral Disinformation,” Future Tense’s latest web event in our yearlong Free Speech Project series, …

Tech firms struggle to police content while avoiding bias
5 years, 4 months ago

Tech firms struggle to police content while avoiding bias

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Take the post down. That’s just a sampling of the intense, often contradictory demands facing tech companies and their social media platforms as they try to oversee internet content without infringing on First Amendment rights. That’s done little to silence critics on the right, including at the White House, where Trump promised at a “social media summit” last …

UK likely to ban social media firms over toxic content
5 years, 9 months ago

UK likely to ban social media firms over toxic content

India TV News  

Social media firms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, face hefty fines or ban in Britain if they fail to remove harmful content quickly under new laws, set to be unveiled on Monday, the media reported. The new duty of care laws could even hold social media executives personally liable for terrorist and child abuse content on their platforms. The social …

U.K. Regulators Propose Broad Social Media Regulations To Counter 'Online Harms'
5 years, 9 months ago

U.K. Regulators Propose Broad Social Media Regulations To Counter 'Online Harms'

NPR  

U.K. Regulators Propose Broad Social Media Regulations To Counter 'Online Harms' Enlarge this image toggle caption Jenny Kane/AP Jenny Kane/AP Terrorists groups using the Internet to spread propaganda. Sponsor Message "I'm deeply concerned that social media firms are still not doing enough to protect users from harmful content," Prime Minister Theresa May said. Officials also expect any code of practice …

Australia's new law could punish Google, Facebook with jail, fines for violent content
5 years, 9 months ago

Australia's new law could punish Google, Facebook with jail, fines for violent content

Firstpost  

The new law requires online platforms like Facebook, Twitter to remove violent content ’expeditiously.' Australia will fine social media and web hosting companies up to 10 percent of their annual global turnover and imprison executives for up to three years if violent content is not removed “expeditiously” under a new law. “It is important that we make a very clear …

Facebook Has Behaved Like 'Digital Gangsters,' U.K. Parliament Report Says
5 years, 10 months ago

Facebook Has Behaved Like 'Digital Gangsters,' U.K. Parliament Report Says

NPR  

Facebook Has Behaved Like 'Digital Gangsters,' U.K. Parliament Report Says Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Wong/Getty Images Alex Wong/Getty Images A new report from British lawmakers on how social media is used to spread disinformation finds that Facebook and other big tech companies are failing their users and dodging accountability. "Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave …

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