Social media in India is governed under the IT Act and the laws are in a relatively nascent state. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is yet to release the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Guidelines for use of Social Media Regulations 2020, which seek to regulate online platforms. Social media platforms have become a hotbed of misinformation and fake news leading to violence and social unrest. Experts, on the other hand, believe the primary problem is a state-backed agency deciding what comprises fake news given the concerns about propaganda-driven content promoted on social media by a ruling party. Fake news is a nebulous term and the government's role in curbing free speech and expression must be critically examined.

Source: Mint June 10, 2020 19:18 UTC