The central government is considering ending the legal protection available to social media platforms. These include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. According to a report by The Indian Express, the IT Ministry has begun discussions on major changes to India’s social media rules. Under the proposal, platforms could be held responsible for users’ posts. The government is considering limiting safe harbour protection to internet and telecom companies or messaging platforms. At present, social media companies also receive this protection. Safe harbour is currently the legal protection provided under Section 79 of the IT Act. Under it, internet companies are not held directly responsible for users’ posts, videos and comments. Protection Drives Meta and Google’s Business Growth According to an India Express report, this protection has helped companies such as Meta, Google and X build major businesses around user-generated content. They do not have to assume legal responsibility for every post, video or comment. A section of the government believes that social media platforms are no longer merely channels for disseminating information. They use algorithms to determine the ranking, recommendation and reach of content. These platforms remove or restrict posts based on their community guidelines. These rules may sometimes differ from Indian laws. Accused of promoting content linked to the sexual exploitation of children on Instagram Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had directed the Delhi Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into allegations that child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was promoted in India through paid advertisements on Meta-owned Instagram. The NHRC had also directed the police to investigate whether the technology company and other concerned parties had fulfilled their mandatory reporting obligations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. BBC report: Sexual abuse content available cheaply on Meta Post navigation Canva to lay off 1,271 employees:22% of staff affected; CEO says, ‘The most difficult time in our 13-year history’
