Anti-EC protests: Centre tightens scrutiny of social media posts, issues fresh advisory

The Centre has asked social media platforms to prioritise complaints from authorised government agencies about online content that could trigger violence or disturb public order. The advisory from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) comes amid protests in Delhi and Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Dated October 8 and signed by MeitY Joint Secretary Ajit Kumar, the advisory calls for stricter monitoring of misleading and manipulated content linked to public events. A ministry official said the guidance was general in nature and not limited to the ongoing protests.

The government believes social media posts and counter-posts can contribute to violence and public disorder. The advisory, however, does not name any specific protest, event or platform.

What the Centre wants social media firms to do

The advisory asks platforms to “exercise enhanced diligence” while dealing with old photographs and videos presented as current events, digitally altered or AI-generated material, impersonation of public authorities or individuals, and posts that could encourage violence or unlawful activity.

It warns that misleading or out-of-context material can create confusion and affect public order.

“Such content, particularly when presented as current or authentic information, has the potential to cause public confusion, create apprehension, disturb public order and social tranquillity, and contribute to law-and-order concerns,” the advisory states.

Platforms have also been asked to strengthen their monitoring and complaint-handling systems, identify unlawful content under the Information Technology (IT) Rules and avoid promoting it. They should label or provide context for manipulated or synthetically generated material, particularly when presented as genuine current events.

The government has also urged companies to run awareness campaigns encouraging users to verify the source, authenticity and date of content before sharing it.

MeitY said any action taken under the advisory must comply with the IT Act and IT Rules while respecting lawful expression and public discourse. The advisory took effect immediately but does not specify a separate penalty for non-compliance.

Existing takedown deadlines remain in place

Under amendments to the IT Rules introduced in February, platforms must act on government takedown orders within three hours. Complaints involving nudity, sexual content or impersonation must be addressed within two hours.

The government has also asked platforms to cooperate with police and other agencies by providing information or assistance within the prescribed timelines.

Bitchat blocking order extended

Separately, the blocking order against Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based messaging app, has been extended by three days ahead of the October 10 protests, according to people aware of the matter.

App founder Jack Dorsey said on October 3 that the government had removed Bitchat from India's App Store. The initial three-day blocking order was issued under Section 69A of the IT Act.

The Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the move as unconstitutional and called on MeitY to publish the blocking order.