The Government has advised Social Media Intermediaries to exercise enhanced diligence in respect of information being disseminated on their platforms and which has the potential to adversely affect public order or social tranquillity.

 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has said that certain information, including false, misleading, manipulated or out-of-context content, is being circulated through various social media platforms in relation to ongoing public events and developments. According to an advisory, social media intermediaries have been asked to flag old and archived photographs and videos being presented as current events, digitally altered or synthetically generated audiovisual content, impersonation of public authorities, persons, and content which is likely to incite violence or other unlawful activity. 

 

Social media platforms have also been advised to undertake appropriate measures to identify, prevent and not promote the dissemination of unlawful information falling within the categories prescribed under the IT Rules, 2021. They have been asked to prioritise reports and complaints received from authorised Government agencies regarding content having potential implications for public order, and take appropriate action accordingly.

 

Social media platforms have to undertake appropriate measures to identify and appropriately label and contextualise manipulated, synthetically generated or misleading content, particularly where such content is presented as depicting a current event. According to the advisory, social media intermediaries have to undertake awareness measures to encourage users to verify the authenticity, source and date of information before sharing or forwarding such content and also ensure timely cooperation with law-enforcement agencies, in accordance with applicable law and within the timelines prescribed under the IT Rules, 2021.

 

These platforms have also been advised to review and strengthen their existing monitoring, escalation and grievance-redressal mechanisms to ensure that information having the potential to cause widespread public confusion, panic, violence or disturbance of public order is addressed expeditiously, in accordance with the applicable legal framework. The Ministry has reiterated that the advisory is intended to facilitate responsible dissemination of information and preservation of public order while respecting lawful expression and legitimate public discourse.