In Parliament on Friday August 2, Punjab MP, Vikramjit Singh Sahney asked the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting about details of the steps taken by Government to control religious and communal hate posts on social media; and the details of the action taken by the government on the social media accounts spreading religious and communal hatred in last three years, year-wise, State-wise and district-wise for Punjab.
Sahney also questioned the Centre on whether the government is aware of the fact that there are several social media accounts spreading communal hatred on social media?
In response, the Ministry of State Information and Broadcasting & Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan said that “The Government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules, 2021”) on 25.02.2021 under the Information Technology Act, 2000.”
The Minister further added that “Similarly for the content of publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms), Part-III of the IT Rules, 2021, administered by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the rules, inter-alia, provide for a Code of Ethics for such publishers.
“The IT Rules, 2021 also provide for issuance of directions for blocking of content of intermediaries and publishers for carrying content as referred under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000 “in the interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to above”. Appropriate directions are issued for blocking of access of such information that has potential to spread communal hatred and to disturb the public order, under the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information for Public) Rules, 2009 by MeiTY and under IT Rules, 2021 by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting” he said.
The answer of the Ministry can be read here:
Punjab MP also gives Rajya Sabha notice for anti-hate, digital harmony private bill
Sahney submitted a bill in the Parliament, titled ‘The Online Hate Speech Prevention Bill 2024’ with the objective to curb communal disharmony and religious hatred spread through social media.
He added the purpose of the proposed bill is to foster digital harmony and responsible use of social media.
“The bill aims to ensure all the fundamental rights, ensuring equal dignity for individuals and communities as outlined in the constitution, to uphold ethical values of harmony, respect and fraternity,” Sahney said adding that he has also submitted a dossier of social media posts and accounts that have been involved in spreading hatred to various officials.
Sahney noted that the police often encountered difficulties in handling such cases due to existing legal loopholes, as current laws do not adequately cover hate speech.
The bill, he said, proposed to fill these gaps and provide a more effective legal framework to combat online hate speech, ensuring a safer and more harmonious online environment. Reported The Tribune
Sahney has flagged the issue of online hate propaganda in the past.
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