Remove name, photos, videos of Kolkata victim: Centre to social media platforms

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 21

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked social media platforms operating in India to remove name, photos and videos of a trainee doctor, who was raped and murdered in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The MietY on Wednesday cited a Supreme Court order of August 20 to issue a directive saying the “name, photographs and video clips depicting the deceased be promptly removed from all social media platforms and electronic media”.

Failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s order may result in legal consequences and further regulatory action, the MeitY has warned.

MeitY has said the Court’s directive to safeguard the privacy and dignity of individuals involved has to implemented. “Social media platforms are required to take immediate action to ensure compliance with this order,” a statement said.

Social media companies have been asked to ensure that such sensitive information is not further disseminated.

All the social media platforms shall also inform the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at cyberlaw-legal@meity.gov.in about the action taken in response to the compliance of Supreme Court order.

This directive follows concerns regarding the dissemination of sensitive material related to the incident that occurred on August 8. The Central Bureau of Investigation is probing the matter.