Abhishek Banerjee Challenges Government’s Transparency on Social Media Takedown Notices
NEW DELHI: In a significant move, Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee has formally addressed a letter to Speaker Om Birla, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response regarding “Takedown notices submitted to social media platforms.” This letter comes after Banerjee found the answers provided by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada to be inadequate.
Seeking Clarity on Takedown Notices
Banerjee’s inquiry revolved around several key points: the number of takedown notices submitted by various ministries to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta over the past three years; whether the government maintains a comprehensive list of these notices; the measures in place to review their outcomes; and how the government ensures that such actions align with constitutional protections of free speech.
Government’s Response
In his written response, Minister Prasada stated that takedown notices are directly sent by respective governments or authorized agencies, encompassing both State and Central levels. He elaborated on the government’s policy aimed at fostering a safe and accountable internet, while also ensuring it is free from unlawful content.
IT Rules and Intermediaries’ Obligations
The minister highlighted the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which outline specific obligations for intermediaries. These include ensuring users do not host or transmit unlawful content, with consequences for non-compliance, including loss of liability exemptions.
Conclusion
As the debate over digital content regulation intensifies, Banerjee’s challenge raises important questions about transparency and accountability in the government’s actions regarding social media regulation. For more insights on social media and technology, visit Looffers.com to stay informed on the latest trends and offers!
