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After row with Twitter and outrage over ‘Tandav’, Home Ministry issues new rules for social media, digital media and OTT platforms

February 25, 2021
The Commune

Following an online face-off with the microblogging site Twitter, the Home Ministry has issued a set of guidelines for social media platforms, online news media and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.

Tweeting about this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “All social media platforms have to abide by Indian laws. The new rules, announced today, will further empower social media users by institutionalising redressal mechanism and ensuring resolution of their grievances. I applaud @narendramodi ji and @rsprasad ji. #ResponsibleFreedom”. Another tweet in the thread went on to say, “Modi govt is committed to provide a level playing field for all digital media and OTT platforms. The Code of Ethics and 3 tier self regulation for digital media is welcome. I congratulate @narendramodi ji and @PrakashJavdekar ji for these much needed rules. #ResponsibleFreedom.”

The rules were published in a document, called the “Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code”, which aims to achieve tighter control over social media platforms. The document specifies the guidelines for the publication of content and specifically mentions the fact that Big Tech firms should make sure that a post is taken down within 36 hours of a government order against it. It also went on to say that they should also assist in investigations or other cyber security-related incidents within 72 hours of a request.

The new rules framed by the Centre lay down a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism.

There have been widespread concerns about digital content, especially on OTT platforms. Recently, Amazon Prime’s web series ‘Tandav’ had created a furore after it portrayed Hindu deities in a degrading way, insulting the sentiments and sensitivities of the Hindu community.

“There is a Censor Board for films, but OTT platforms have no such mechanism. For OTT platforms, we have decided on a 3-tier system,” Union Minister for  Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said.

Publishers of news on digital media would be required to observe the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ of the Press Council of India and the ‘Programme Code’ under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act. Setting out general principles, the rules say that publishers should take into consideration that the content does not “affect the sovereignty and integrity of India” or “jeopardises the security of the State”, among other things.

Facebook faced a global backlash from publishers and politicians last week after blocking news feeds in Australia in a dispute with the government, when new Australian legislation mandated that Facebook share its revenue with local news outlets for using their content.

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