Union Minister Emphasizes Digital Platforms' Responsibility for Content Safety

Digital Safety and Accountability

New Delhi, Feb 26: Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister, has highlighted the crucial role of digital platforms in ensuring the safety of the content they host, particularly for children and the general public.

Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave on Thursday, he urged these platforms to 'wake up' to the necessity of fostering trust in the institutions that society has developed over centuries.

"It is imperative for platforms to take accountability for the content they provide. The safety of children online, as well as that of all citizens, falls under their purview," he stated.

The Minister of Information and Technology warned that failure to adhere to these responsibilities would lead to accountability for these platforms, emphasizing the evolving nature of the internet.

He also pointed out the importance of regulating AI-generated content, insisting that such material should not be created without the consent of the individuals whose likenesses are used.

"We are at a pivotal moment for significant change. I urge platforms to align with the fundamental needs of society. The demand for this change from society must be acknowledged," he remarked.

Vaishnaw noted that trust is the foundation of human society, spanning from family and social structures to the judiciary, media, and legislative bodies, all of which rely on this essential principle.

Using the press as an example, he explained that its credibility hinges on impartiality, thorough verification of information prior to publication, and accountability for its content.

He emphasized that every institution created by humans is grounded in these core principles, where mutual trust is central to their existence.

However, he expressed concern that this foundational trust is increasingly threatened by emerging technologies, such as deepfakes, which can mislead individuals into believing in fabricated events.