Indian government social media ban : After the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 7, the Government of India has taken a big decision. The government has closed the Instagram of many Pakistani artists and celebrities in India as well as X (former Twitter) accounts. In addition, some Pakistani YouTube channels have also been banned. A big question has been raised in the minds of the general public – can the government stop anyone's social media account? And what are the rules behind this?
First of all, it is important to make it clear that the Indian government cannot arbitrarily stop any social media account. It is imperative to have a concrete reason for banning any account and a specific legal process has to be carried out.
The Act of Information Technology Act 2000 (Information Technology Act, 2000) and IT Rules 2021 issued under it. According to these laws, if an account is in danger of creating stress in the country's security, sovereignty, public order, foreign relations, or a community, it may point to social media platforms to take action on that account.
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The Government of India or its concerned ministry may send notice to companies like Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and demand action on the account. The government has decided to take action in certain situations:
1) Posts that promote traitors or terrorists.
2) Fake News (Fake News) and a broadcast of rumors.
3) Posts that increase social growth – such as a religion, caste or community.
4) An obscene, violent or illegal content.
5) The text of riot or violence.
If any of this type of action is likely to cause instability in the country, the government may temporarily or permanently ban the account.
The government consolidates the process of closing the account in a legal way. These stages come in this process:
1. Investigations and verification – a careful inquiry into posts and account activities.
2. Notice issuance – Notice is given to the relevant social media platform or account owner.
3. Demand for explanation – An explanation is sought by the account holder.
4. Final Decision – If the explanation is not satisfactory, the government instructs action to take action on that account.
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According to the Government of India, some of the Pakistani celebrity accounts were accused of spreading anti -India text, supporting terrorism and throwing news. These actions were more intensified after the Pahalgam attack, especially. These accounts have been discontinued under the law of India and for this, all legal processes have been carried out.
The government cannot arbitrarily close anyone's social media account. This requires concrete reasons, clear evidence and legal process. Although social media is an important medium of expression, strong and responsible control of the country's security is essential. Therefore, such actions are obtained from these events that such actions are done only for the protection of national interest.
