In a statement made during a session of the Lok Sabha today, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the urgent need to tighten regulations managing social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The Minister highlighted worries about reducing editorial management and its importance for content responsibility.
Managing the issue, Shri Vaishnaw pointed out the change from traditional forms of media that relied heavily on editorial statements to confirm accuracy and responsibility in content dissemination. He said that these reviews have weakened in the digital era, commenting:
“We are living in the era of social media and OTT platforms. However, the democratic organizations and traditional press that once relied on editorial reviews have seen these reviews decrease over time.”
He realized that while social media suggests a platform for freedom of expression, it has also become a space for disorderly and, at times, wrong content.
The Minister highlighted the importance of tailoring restrictions to India’s amazing cultural context, highlighting that the government’s values vary greatly from those of the areas where many social media and OTT platforms developed. He remarked:
“The cultural sharpness of India extensively differs from those of the regions where these platforms were created. This makes it crucial for India to support its laws.”
Shri Vaishnaw advised Parliament to prioritize meetings on this issue, calling for peace to pass stricter restrictions that align with societal values. He also requested the Parliamentary Standing Committee to take up the issue urgently, highlighting the need for a joint agreement:
“There should be societal agreement on it, along with stricter laws to handle this challenge.”
The Minister’s comments come amid rising worries about the regulation of digital media and their influence on public speech. His call for reform is expected to create broader debates within Parliament and among stakeholders about hovering freedom of word with cultural sensitivity and accountability. (PR)