Government Takes a Stand Against Hoax Bomb Threats: A Call to Social Media Platforms
New Delhi, October 26: In a decisive move to combat the rising tide of hoax bomb threats targeting domestic airlines, the Indian government has issued a stern advisory to major social media platforms, including Meta and X (formerly Twitter). This advisory emphasizes the urgent need for these platforms to take immediate action against misinformation, report threats, and assist authorities within specified timelines.
The Context of the Advisory
The advisory comes in response to an alarming surge in hoax bomb threats, with over 275 flights operated by Indian carriers receiving such threats in just the past 12 days. Most of these threats have been disseminated through social media channels, leading to significant disruptions in airline operations and raising concerns about public safety. On a single day, Friday, more than 25 domestic and international flights were reported to have received bomb threats, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Obligations Under IT Rules
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reminded social media intermediaries of their obligations under the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The advisory makes it clear that these platforms must assist authorized government agencies in investigations and cybersecurity efforts within a maximum of 72 hours. Failure to comply with these due diligence requirements could lead to the revocation of the safe harbor protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, exposing these platforms to "consequential action" under various laws.
The Government’s Tough Stance
The government has adopted a tough stance, emphasizing that social media platforms must actively combat the spread of misinformation that disrupts public order and airline operations. The advisory categorizes hoax bomb threats as a form of misinformation that poses a significant risk to the safety and security of travelers. It highlights the responsibility of these platforms to promptly remove unlawful content to maintain public order and security.
The Economic Implications
The ramifications of these hoax threats extend beyond public safety; they also threaten the economic security of the country. The advisory notes that the unchecked spread of such threats can destabilize the economic landscape, as airlines face operational disruptions and potential financial losses. The ease with which misinformation can be shared on social media platforms exacerbates the problem, as users can quickly forward or repost alarming content.
Legal Framework and Consequences
The advisory underscores the legal framework governing social media platforms, reiterating that they must adhere to the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The government has made it clear that if intermediaries fail to fulfill their due diligence obligations, they will lose the protections typically afforded to them under Section 79 of the IT Act. This could lead to legal repercussions, including liability for any unlawful acts facilitated by their platforms.
Key Responsibilities of Social Media Intermediaries
The advisory outlines several key responsibilities for social media intermediaries:
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Prompt Removal of Misinformation: Platforms must act swiftly to remove any unlawful or false information that could threaten public order or security.
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Reporting Obligations: Social media platforms are required to report any activities that may jeopardize the unity, integrity, sovereignty, or economic security of India.
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Cooperation with Authorities: Intermediaries must provide relevant information and assistance to authorized government agencies within strict timelines, ensuring that investigations can proceed without delay.
- Monitoring User Activity: Platforms are urged to monitor user-generated content actively and disable or remove access to any unlawful information, including hoax bomb threats.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s advisory to social media platforms marks a significant step in addressing the growing issue of hoax bomb threats that have been plaguing the aviation sector. By holding intermediaries accountable and emphasizing their responsibilities under existing laws, the government aims to restore public confidence in air travel and ensure the safety of passengers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between government authorities and social media platforms will be crucial in maintaining public order and security in the face of emerging threats.