Many more government departments may soon get the power to block content on social media. According to sources, talks are going on between different ministries regarding changes in the IT Act. Under this, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may get the right to directly order social media companies like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to remove content. Right now only the IT Ministry can do this work.
How is the work done now?
Currently, if any ministry wants to remove any content, it has to first apply to the IT Ministry. There a committee looks at that application and then an order is given to remove the social media companies. Sources say that so many applications are coming that the IT Ministry is not able to take a decision on time and this is the biggest reason for this change.
AI content increased the difficulty
Another major reason for this change is the rapid spread of fake and misleading content created by AI on the Internet. It is believed that this system has become necessary to deal with such content quickly. According to sources, the matter cannot stop at just five ministries. Regulators like SEBI may also get the power to give direct takedown orders. SEBI has been expressing concern over wrong financial information being spread through influencers for a long time.
Under Section 79 (3) (b) of the IT Act, through the Sahyog portal, many agencies of the Center and States can directly order social media companies to remove content. Now consideration is being given to making Section 69 (A) also work in the same manner.
After the 2-3 hour rule, now this step
Last month itself, the government has reduced the time limit for removing content from social media from 24-36 hours to just 2-3 hours. Since then, many users have complained that under pressure, social media companies are removing even normal posts containing satire and criticism of the government.
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