New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the need for stricter laws to curb the spread of vulgar and explicit content on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour on Wednesday, Vaishnaw urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee to address the issue and build a consensus on implementing more robust regulations.
The minister’s comments came in response to a query by BJP member Arun Govil regarding the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to prevent the illegal dissemination of vulgar and sex-related content via social media. Govil also questioned whether the government plans to strengthen these laws to combat the misuse of online platforms.
Vaishnaw highlighted the evolving nature of media oversight, pointing out the decline of traditional editorial checks that once monitored content for appropriateness. “Earlier, there were editorial checks to determine whether something was right or wrong, but those checks have ended,” the minister noted. He expressed concern over the lack of control on social media, which, while serving as a medium for press freedom, has become a platform for unchecked and offensive material.
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The minister reiterated the urgent need to update and tighten regulations to address the misuse of social media platforms effectively. “There is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms,” Vaishnaw stated amid the din of the House.
The issue of regulating online content has become increasingly relevant as social media continues to expand its reach. The government has been under pressure to ensure these platforms do not facilitate the spread of inappropriate or harmful material while balancing the principles of free speech.
Key Focus Areas
- Stricter Regulations: Vaishnaw called for updated laws to curb vulgar and explicit content.
- Parliamentary Action: He urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee to take up the matter and foster consensus.
- Decline of Editorial Oversight: The minister noted the erosion of traditional checks that previously regulated content standards.
