Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday advocated for stringent laws to regulate objectionable content on social media platforms, emphasizing the cultural disparity between India and the nations where these platforms originate. Addressing the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, Vaishnaw called for bipartisan support on the matter.
“There is a lot of difference between the culture of our country and the countries from where these social media platforms have come. I hope the opposition can come on board and we can have a discussion on this. I would like the Standing Committee of Parliament to take up this issue and strict laws are made regarding the same,” Vaishnaw stated.
Calls for Regulation and Cultural Alignment
The minister highlighted concerns over the lack of regulation on content published by private social media platforms, which he argued often deviates from Indian cultural norms. Arun Govil, actor and cultural advocate, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a watchdog to monitor and regulate such content.
“There is a lot of content on social media, especially by private players, which does not match Indian culture. There is a need for a watchdog to keep a close eye on the kind of content being presented on various platforms,” Govil said.
Government’s Approach to Social Media Accountability
The government has outlined several measures to increase accountability among social media platforms:
•Grievance Officers: Platforms must appoint grievance officers and establish mechanisms to address user complaints.
•Transparency Reports: Social media companies are required to submit regular reports detailing actions taken against harmful content.
•Content Moderation: Platforms are urged to proactively moderate harmful or illegal content while balancing free speech and responsibility.
Vaishnaw has also called for a self-regulatory approach by platforms, particularly in curbing content that could harm societal harmony.
Challenges Highlighted by Vaishnaw
The minister also drew attention to broader challenges affecting news and social media platforms, including:
•Fake News: Undermines public trust and poses a threat to democracy.
•Algorithmic Bias: Amplifies divisive narratives for engagement, posing societal risks.
•Artificial Intelligence: Requires ethical guidelines to ensure fair content prioritization.
•Fair Compensation: Advocates for equitable revenue sharing between digital platforms and content creators.
Vaishnaw emphasized the need for solutions that address these challenges while maintaining ethical considerations.
