Govt Open To Introducing Stricter Social Media Rules: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi: The Union government is ready to introduce stricter rules to make social media companies more accountable and ensure citizens’ safety on Internet if the House agrees.

Union Electronics & Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated this in Rajya Sabha on Friday while answering a query from Congress party’s Anand Sharma on accountability of the companies.

Vaishnaw, who is also Railways minister, said law enforcement agencies take action based on reports by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) or Electronics & IT ministry.

“There is also a central portal where such cases can be registered and forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agency… I agree with you that we have to come forward as a society and create greater accountability.”

The ministry is already discussing contours of the law, whichmay be expanded to include user harm regulation and response, under-18 and child safety concerns, moderation of political content, definitions and regulation of high-risk artificial technology, and privacy concerns surrounding new equipment such as wearable devices, Hindustan Times reported.

Vaishnaw informed that prompt action has been taken against apps like Bulli Bai, after images and details of nearly 100 Muslim women were shared without their consent.

“Whenever we try to regulate social media, the Opposition says that we are attacking freedom of speech. We need to bring a consensus to create an accountable social media ecosystem where women can feel safe,” the minister stated.