Uttar Pradesh's New Social Media Strategy Criticised by Opposition

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new digital media policy, allowing payments of up to Rs 8 lakh per month to influencers for promoting its schemes. This policy also includes provisions for legal action against any anti-national, anti-social, or derogatory posts online. The opposition has criticised this move, accusing the BJP government of suppressing freedom of expression.

Payment Structure and Legal Provisions

Influencers and account holders will be empanelled on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube based on their followers and subscribers. The state will pay them up to Rs 8 lakh monthly. Legal action will be taken against social media operators, influencers, firms, or agencies if objectionable content is uploaded. Principal Secretary Sanjay Prasad stated that content must not be indecent, obscene, or anti-national.

Opposition's Reaction

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the policy, calling it a new form of corruption using public money for self-promotion. Congress UP chief Ajay Rai labelled it undemocratic and anti-Constitution. Yadav posted on X in Hindi, "Self-promotion using public tax money is a new type of corruption." The SP accused the BJP government of bribing those who praise it falsely while punishing those who raise public issues on social media.

Policy Details and Employment Opportunities

The policy aims to create jobs by encouraging digital platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to display content related to state government schemes and achievements. It categorises these platforms into four groups based on subscribers and followers. Maximum payouts range from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per month for X, Facebook, and Instagram influencers. For YouTube videos, shorts, and podcasts, the limits are between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8 lakh per month.

Congress's Stand

Congress UP unit president Ajay Rai condemned the policy as a conspiracy to silence digital media. He questioned the fairness of rewarding flatterers while punishing questioners. Rai posted on X that the government is imposing this decision in a fearful and tyrannical manner. Congress social media chairperson Pankhuri Pathak echoed these sentiments, alleging that the policy aims to stifle freedom of expression by financially supporting pro-government influencers while punishing dissenters.

BJP's Defence

BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi defended the policy as an innovative move by the Yogi Adityanath government to create employment and curb rumour-spreading on social media. He stated that the government is adapting to societal changes with this digital media policy.

An official statement from the government clarified that the policy involves empanelling individuals and firms for promoting state schemes through advertisements. It authorised the Director Information to take legal action under relevant laws against any anti-national or derogatory posts. Actions could include lodging FIRs, deleting posts, revoking empanelment, or discontinuing advertisements.

The policy aims to ensure employment opportunities for residents across India and abroad while promoting state government schemes through digital mediums.