Parliamentary Panel Requests Government Action Against Social Media Platforms Threatening National Interest

A parliamentary committee has requested information from two government ministries about actions planned against social media platforms and influencers allegedly acting against national interests after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, expressed concerns that certain social media entities might incite violence, according to sources.

The committee has reached out to the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology. They have asked for details on actions considered under the IT Act 2000 and the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. The ministries' secretaries have been instructed to provide this information by May 8.

Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny

Following the Pahalgam incident, several social media accounts were banned for allegedly posting content harmful to national security. On April 22, terrorists killed at least 26 civilians, mainly tourists, in Pahalgam. India has attributed this attack to terror groups linked with Pakistan.

Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, a panel member, stated he had not received any communication regarding the issue mentioned in the memorandum. He highlighted that according to parliamentary rules, the chairperson cannot make statements without committee approval.

Committee's Internal Dispute

Gokhale expressed his views on X, stating, "To make it clear -- the Parliament IT Committee has not said this. As a member, I have neither received any communication nor have I signed anything saying this." He emphasised that a chairman cannot issue letters without committee consent.

He further remarked that parliamentary committees are sacred and should not be used for political purposes. This highlights internal disagreements within the committee regarding the handling of communications and statements.

The committee's request for information reflects growing concerns about social media's role in national security issues. The outcome of this inquiry could influence future regulations on digital platforms in India.

With inputs from PTI