New Delhi: Former Union IT Minister Kapil Sibal criticised the Union government's move to amend the Information Technology rules alleging that the people will be prosecuted when defamatory statements are made.
"Safe for the government and unsafe for others, that is what the policy of this government always has been... the only platform left for ordinary citizens was social media. When statements defamatory are made... people will be prosecuted," Kapil Sibal remarked, as quoted by news agency ANI.
He further alleged, "First, they captured the TV networks, and now they're gonna capture social media platforms. It's the comprehensive capture of media. We're moving towards one code of conduct, one political party, one system of governance, and no answerability to anyone."
The statement comes as the Union government on Friday notified IT rules under which it will set up appellate panels to redress grievances that users may have against decisions of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook on hosting contentious content.
Union IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday said that the latest amendment of Information Technology rules aims to ensure that no unlawful content or misinformation is posted on social media platforms. The norms will make social media companies fulfill obligations in ensuring the same.
"The obligations of intermediaries earlier was limited to notifying users of rules but now there will be much more definite obligations on platforms. Intermediaries have to make efforts that no unlawful content is posted on platform," he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Chandrasekhar stressed that the Centre wants social media companies to work as partners in ensuring the interests of 'digital nagriks'.
He also delivered a strong message to Big Tech companies saying that community guidelines of platforms, whether they are headquartered in the US or Europe, cannot contradict Indians' constitutional rights when these platforms operate in India.
"The constitutional rights of India's citizens should be respected by intermediaries, especially articles relating to free speech, liberty, and non-discrimination. In order to strengthen accountability between user and intermediary we've brought a grievance appellate platform," he said, as quoted by ANI.
On whether the Centre will consider imposing penalties on those not complying, he said the government does not want to bring punitive actions at this stage but cautioned that it will be considered if the situation demands in the future.
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