Draft Rules to make Social Media ready

Amidst the series of tasks that we do through the day, browsing on social media sites occupy the lion’s share. In fact, resorting to digital arena is the chosen method because it’s hassle-free and catching up one very thing happens while being on the go! While that’ll not really be disturbed; what’s concerning is that internet content will now be regulated, at least a significant portion of it to be precise.

The new content guidelines specified for print and broadcast media includes draft rules for social media sites too. In other words, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and even OTT platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Hotstar and digital news organizations fall under the purview of regulation of content.

How did this come about?

To be specific, Twitter, the microblogging site has been the source in this case! There was a huge row as regards refusal of blocking of several accounts was concerned. This included famous personalities and also organizations that backed the farm protests. The Centre hence came up with these draft rules to make social media ready (inclusive of OTT platforms and news-related websites).

What to expect as a result?

Going by reports, the series of guidelines that the government has suggested consist of a ‘self-regulatory framework’ with its compliance reports and of course, the code of ethics. Having a chief compliance officer will fit the bill here, who will be given the onus of performing on a 24x7 basis, in respect to complaints from law enforcement agencies. The new draft rules marks the establishment of what is called a ‘soft touch progressive institutional mechanism with level-playing field’. This features a three-tier grievance redressal framework and the prime Code of Ethics that bans content affecting ‘sovereignty and integrity of India’, in addition to threatening the national security.

What is the 10-Point Guide?

For the first time, The Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 prescribes the very way how social media sites, OTT streaming services and digital news organizations will be strictly regulated by the government. Here’s a list of what lies in store:

• Social media giants must appoint India-based compliance officers. 
•   To become social media ready, sites need to disclose the ‘first originator’ of any suspicious message. 
• The ‘Authorized Officer’ or Joint Secretary designated by the government will directly block content. 
• Oversight mechanism is about the committee having representatives from Ministries of Home, Law, I&B, Women and Child Development- who will have ‘suo moto powers’. 
• Self classification will be meant for streaming services, like for 13 plus, 16 plus or adults- depending on the type of violence and nudity portrayed. Digital news media will adhere to PCI, while news websites will be registered with Information & Broadcasting Ministry site. 
• Companies must have a grievance officer to receive and resolve complaints within a month’s time. 
• An intermediary must remove or disable access to any content considered offensive or illegal within 24 hours. 
• Social media ready means content that’s obscene, libellous, racist or defamatory must be taken off. 
• Three-tier mechanism should enforce a stringent Code of Ethics.

Draft rules that will actually make one social media ready imply that social media users will be empowered manifold. How far the objective is reached is best left to time.