The central government released guidelines for social media, OTT platforms and digital news. The government said that there is freedom to raise criticism and questions, but there should also be a forum to deal with the complaints of crores of users of social media. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that if there is a complaint on social media about content that hurts someone’s dignity (especially matters related to women), then it has to be removed in 24 hours. At the same time, on sharing information related to matters like security of the country, first origin will also have to be told.
Social media users are in crores. On the misuse of social media, these users got a forum to settle their complaint. If a court or government institution asks for information about the first originator of an objectionable, naughty tweet or message, the social media platform will have to provide this information. The platform will have to create mechanisms for redressal of grievances. An officer will have to be appointed and his name will also have to be mentioned. Regarding the user’s respect, especially for women, if an objectionable picture is posted, the content will have to be removed within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. If the content of a social media user is to be removed, then he has to explain the reason for doing so and also listen to his side. Guidelines for OTT and Digital News There will be 3 phase mechanism for OTT and digital news. All these have to give their information. Like movies, OTT platforms also have to follow the program code. Classification has to be done about the content in terms of age. Parental lock should be such a system, so that parents can block such content for their children, which is not right. Ravi Shankar Prasad said that all guidelines issued today will be implemented as soon as the notifications are issued.