New Social Media Code – A much-needed one for India

New Social Media Code – A much-needed one for India

Social media is the most democratic medium of expression. In a way, it is also the most robust law-enforcement tool at the disposal of any State. The new Privacy Code addresses this complexity by prescribing an elaborate process for administering social media.

Background

A new code of conduct for social media platforms is being drawn up in India to regulate their behavior and check fake news.

Recently, the government introduced the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The rules have the potential to transform the online media platforms to fit into the Indian ecosystem.

The guidelines, which could also deal with privacy issues, are reportedly aimed at curbing abuse, harassment, and misinformation on social media micro-blogging websites.

At present, there is no legal framework to monitor the activities of social media platforms in India. The Information Technology Act does not provide any basis for setting up a regulatory authority for these online intermediaries either.

Salient provisions in the New Social Media Code

By enacting the new social media code, the government is trying to control the social media practices. Some few salient provisions in the New Social Media Code are-

In the last eighteen years of social media marketing, one can learn many things to grab success. This is the only media where you will get trusted and basic information on business development methodology. The internet-based system has given an opportunity to every entrepreneur to generate online promotional activities from home itself. Just buy the OTT platforms together have to enact a code for self-regulation. Further, the OTT platforms also have to classify the content. Therefore, an underage minor not able to view the adult contents.

The new social media code looks like a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for different categories of social media on the internet.

• First-tier: The publishers of social media have to appoint officers to redress their grievances. These officers have to ensure the time-bound disposal of grievances.
• Second-tier: A self-regulating body headed by a retired judge will be at the Second-tier.
• Third tier: The central government oversight committee will be in the third tier.

Controlling Internet is like controlling an elephant by keeping it in chains. A lot of damage can be done by an elephant with chains but better damage can be done without chains. All the grievances have to be resolved within the framework of India’s laws. Recently, Twitter disobeyed government rules. After the implementation of New social media codes, social media have to obey the government directions.

What India need New Social Media Code?

This will create great opportunities for Indian news-based online platforms. They will not be restricted or bound by any of the limitations which are on the print media and television news media. The policies which will be on the websites, will cover everything from environment to health to food to animal rights to women safety. This is good as it provides a level playing field for the online news platforms, who will have the freedom to cover whatever topic they want from various angles.

In a major step to ensure safety and security on social media, the Indian government is working on the new social media rules which will bring in online news portals within the ambit of the code of ethics of print and electronic media. Two key provisions included in the rule would be maintaining a registry of authors and contributors with their contact details and issuing them with press cards. The other provision would require such platforms to take down posts that incite violence within two hours of its occurrence.

Social media platforms in India are now accountable to screen content to check if it violates law and order or seems substandard, under an amended advertising code approved by the government and planned for implementation. Further, the new social media rules aim to achieve oversight responsibilities. Like the film certification agency for Cinema, the social media platforms have to ensure a content classification.

The new social media codes will ensure freedom of speech to the artists. This is achieved through self-regulation. Social media platforms can provide more freedom for artists to create content. Since they are the ones going to regulate it, they can classify the content of artist instead of banning them like other media (film, print etc).