Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have not complied with the government’s rules on digital content and because of this they risk a ban in India.
As the deadline approaches on May 26 social media giants Twitter and Facebook’s presence in India could be threatened.
Background
The companies were to adhere to Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021 which was issued in February.
They were given 3 months’ time to take the steps as mentioned in the new rules.
If they fail to comply they risk losing their intermediary status and the protections that come with it.
They could also face criminal charges and a ban on their operations in India.
What They Are Expected To Do
According to the new rules they are supposed to appoint a resident grievance officer, a chief compliance officer and a nodal contact person .
They are also supposed to take measures towards complaint resolution, moderate and remove “objectionable content”.
There will also be an oversight committee comprising representatives from ministries of Defence, External Affairs, Home, I&B, Law, IT and Women and Child Development.
Oversight Committee To Look Over Objectionable Content
This committee will be empowered to stage hearings on alleged violations of the Code of Ethics as part of its “suo motu powers”.
An “Authorised Officer” will also be put in charge of ordering removal of content .
So far only the Indian app Koo has taken the required steps.
American internet giants such as Facebook and Twitter had asked for 6 months’ time as they await instructions from their US headquarters.