Supreme Court Slams Spread Of Fake News On Social Media, YouTube

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over fake news posted on some web portals and social media sites in the absence of a regulatory mechanism.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and also comprising Justices Surya Kant and S Bopanha made the observation while hearing a case against media reports on the Tablighi Jamaat gathering last year in Delhi that was blamed for a spike in COVID cases.

“If you go to YouTube, you will find how fake news is freely circulated and anyone can start a channel on YouTube,” the bench said.

The CJI also observed that some web portals wrote anything against judges and institutions without accountability and only listen to powerful voices.

“Do not know who to approach. They are only concerned with the people who are powerful… They are not bothered about judges and common man,” he said.

The top court also noted that news shown in a section of the media has a communal tone, which could bring the country a bad name.

“Everything shown in a section of private media bears a communal tone. Ultimately, this country is going to get a bad name. Did you ever attempt to regulate these private channels,” the CJI asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The SG replied that the Centre has come out with new information and technology rules to take care of these issues.