Govt plans stricter social media rules, may hold platforms accountable for content promoted by algorithms
Government may remove blanket safe harbour protection for social media platforms in India.
Platforms using algorithms to promote or influence content could face greater legal accountability.
Government is considering a direct mechanism to remove deepfakes and non-consensual images.
The Indian government is reportedly planning to remove the blanket safe harbour protection granted for social media platforms in India. If approved, it could make the social media platforms more accountable for content shared by users, particularly when their algorithms decide what appears on people's feeds. Under the new proposed approach, platforms that rank, promote, suppress or influence user-generated content may no longer enjoy automatic protection from legal liability. However, messaging services that simply deliver messages between users without interfering with their content could continue to receive this protection. Here is what you should know.
Why does the government want to remove the blanket protection?
The internet intermediaries, including social media companies, are currently protected against legal action over content posted or shared by users on their platform under Section 79 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. However, the companies need to meet certain conditions to fall into these categories.
The condition states that the platforms should not start sending messages, decide who receives them, or change the information being shared. However, government officials believe that platforms using algorithms to decide what content users see are doing more than just hosting content. They are playing an active role in controlling what people see. This has raised questions about whether these platforms should still receive the same level of legal protection.
Algorithm-driven content under government scrutiny
The proposed change comes amid concerns over the growing influence of social media algorithms. Officials have questioned whether platforms should be held responsible when their systems promote harmful or explicit content, particularly to users below the age of 18.
Not only that, but the government also believes that platforms influencing the visibility and reach of content should also face greater accountability for their role. However, the discussions are still at an early stage. Any withdrawal of the existing protection would require an amendment to the IT Act. The government is also expected to consult stakeholders and examine legal feedback before taking a final decision.
New mechanism for removing deepfakes and private images
Aside from that, the government is considering a mechanism that would allow users to directly approach social media platforms to request the removal of deepfakes and non-consensual images or videos involving them.
At the time of writing, if you want to remove such content, then you have to approach law enforcement agencies or seek court orders. Officials believe this process can cause delays, especially when harmful images or videos spread quickly online.