The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is considering a new policy on social media to protect children from rising cybercrime, privacy violations, and the dark web of the Internet. The old IT Act will also be merged into the new policy.
Let us tell you that in February, some strict changes were made to the existing IT Act 2000, which social media companies did not like. The matter had reached the court. However, the court also ruled in favor of the government. The new policy will cover all technical aspects, including blockchain, bitcoin, and darknet, that enable user privacy and prevent cybercrime.
This is a technology. There is a platform, wherewith digital currency, any document, etc. can be digitized and its record can be kept. That is, blockchain is a digital ledger.
It is a digital medium. Through this, some things can be sold or bought.
This is such a world of the Internet, in which one can enter only by following the protocol. It is accessed only with special software, configuration, or authority.
According to a senior official of the ministry, the government is considering such a policy so that social media can follow it without going to court. Discussions are being held with subject experts in this direction. Although even in the old IT rules, guidelines were given to block cybercrime, porn, or wrong content, in view of the fast-changing world of cybercrime, some amendments are necessary for the rules.
It is believed that special focus is also being given to the safety of children in the new policy. A stricter edge-gating policy may also be included in the new data protection law. That is, under 18 children want to open a site, then they will need parents' permission. However, many social media companies are not in favor of this. But the intention of the government is to secure the future of the children.
The central government had issued this guideline on 25 February. It was to be implemented in 3 months. But WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram had gone to the court regarding this. However, the court ruled in favor of the government.
Social media companies will appoint their 3 officers, Chief Compliance Officer, Nodal Contact Person, and Resident Grievance Officer in India. Their office should be in India only. They will publish their contact numbers on the website.
All companies will provide a platform for complaints. Complaints will be taken cognizance within 24 hours. At the same time, the concerned officer will give a progress report of the investigation to the complainant within 15 days.
All companies will create a system through automated tools and technology, which can identify the content related to rape, child sexual abuse. Also, who posted this, there should be continuous monitoring on this.
All companies will publish a report every month, which will contain information on the redressal of complaints and action were taken. The content that has been removed will also have to be told.
