Big Tech Practices Threaten India's Digital News Landscape: I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Calls For Urgent Policy Reforms

Globally, countries like Australia, Canada, and the European Union have already taken action against Big Tech, imposing frameworks to address anti-competitive practices.

Minister Vaishnaw’s speech may mark the beginning of a much-needed policy overhaul.

Source : PTI

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the growing challenges posed by Big Tech to credible journalism and digital media platforms. Speaking on the need for accountability, Vaishnaw's recent address underscores the urgent requirement for policy reforms aimed at tackling monopolistic practices by major players like Google and Meta.

Celebrating the power of Press: upholding democracy and freedom

📍At the National Press Day event pic.twitter.com/ZSbsPDyzhP

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 16, 2024

“The rapid spread of fake news is a big threat not only to the media because it undermines trust but it’s also a big threat to democracy,” Vaishnaw stated.

“With our diverse society, we have to be extra careful. Our country has many sensitivities which do not exist in the countries where these platforms originate. Therefore, if the circumstances are different, shouldn’t there be different metrics for the platforms? Shouldn’t there be more responsibility on the platforms?” he asked.

A Strained Ecosystem

Digital news platforms have long contended with unfair revenue-sharing models, where tech giants profit substantially from publishers' content while offering little in return. These companies dictate non-negotiable terms, leaving publishers with minimal bargaining power. As a result, news organisations investing in journalistic quality are left struggling under unsustainable conditions.

Globally, countries like Australia, Canada, and the European Union have already taken action against Big Tech, imposing frameworks to address anti-competitive practices. India’s Competition Commission has also initiated investigations into these giants, though a definitive policy response remains pending.

“The efforts made by the conventional media in creating content need to be fairly and suitably compensated,” Vaishnaw said.

Acknowledging The Imbalance

Minister Vaishnaw’s remarks signal a shift in tone, building upon earlier discussions led by his predecessors. By acknowledging the existential risks to digital journalism, he has reignited calls for decisive measures to ensure fair competition and revenue-sharing arrangements.

This recognition comes as a relief to legacy publishers, who have consistently raised alarms about fake news and the dominance of sensationalist content promoted by opaque algorithms.

AI Adds New Complexity

Emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT and Gemini have introduced another layer of disruption. By serving as alternative news sources, often influenced by Western narratives, these platforms risk diluting authentic Indian perspectives.

This trend, experts warn, undermines local narratives and could counteract policies designed to safeguard domestic media interests.

“AI models today can generate creative content based on vast datasets they are trained on. But what happens to the rights and recognition of the original creators who contributed to that data? Are they being compensated or acknowledged for their work? This is not just an economic issue; it is an ethical one too,” he noted.

A Call for Action

The digital news industry is now urging the Government to act swiftly. Advocates emphasise the need for enforceable regulations that ensure fair revenue models while also addressing AI’s disruptive potential. Additionally, they seek measures to combat the amplification of fake news and prioritise credible journalism in digital spaces.

Minister Vaishnaw’s speech may mark the beginning of a much-needed policy overhaul. By fostering transparency, accountability, and fair practices, the Government has an opportunity to secure the future of India’s digital news sector. This move could reinforce the foundation of democracy by ensuring access to accurate and reliable information for all citizens.

The coming months will be critical as stakeholders await concrete steps toward safeguarding the nation’s digital news ecosystem from the growing influence of Big Tech and evolving technologies.