IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures on Social Media

Social Media Platforms Urged to Prioritize Safety

New Delhi: On Friday, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the need for social media platforms to take accountability for the content shared on their sites. He highlighted the importance of implementing measures to ensure child safety, enhance algorithmic transparency, and provide citizens with a robust mechanism to voice their concerns.

Vaishnaw pointed out that the dynamics of the internet and social media have evolved significantly, urging platforms to actively safeguard users from severe online threats, including scams related to 'digital arrest'.

He stated, "Social media platforms must take on the responsibility for the safety of children and women, as well as address the dangers posed to citizens. Unlike in the past, they need to adopt proactive measures to ensure societal safety."

Additionally, the Minister stressed that citizens should have a direct voice on these platforms. Currently, he noted, if harmful content appears, individuals are left with no choice but to seek legal recourse through courts or law enforcement. He advocated for an effective system that allows people to address their grievances directly.

"If harmful content exists on social media, citizens should not have to rely solely on courts or police. There needs to be a well-functioning mechanism that empowers citizens to express their concerns," he added.