Social media influencers posting ‘inflammatory’ content on govt’s watchlist

A parliamentary panel has asked two key government ministries to detail actions that they plan to take against social media platforms and influencers, which/who are allegedly spreading content that undermines national interest, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

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According to sources familiar with the matter, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has formally sought a detailed response on what measures are being contemplated or taken against social media platforms and influencers accused of spreading content that could endanger national security.

The committee has flagged concerns that certain social media influencers and platforms appear to be “working against the interest of the country” by disseminating material that could incite violence or foster instability. The panel views this as a serious threat in the context of heightened national sensitivity, following the Pahalgam attack.

The panel has written to the secretaries of the Ministry of I&B and the Ministry of Electronics and IT, seeking clarity on the legal and regulatory steps being pursued under the IT Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Specifically, the committee has asked the ministries to outline any contemplated actions to ban or restrict such platforms and individuals, where warranted. The deadline for the ministries to respond has been set for May 8.

The move underscores growing concerns within the government about the misuse of digital platforms during times of national crisis, particularly when misinformation, provocative commentary or coordinated disinformation campaigns are perceived to threaten internal peace and public trust.

Several social media handles have already been suspended in recent days, allegedly for posting content that was deemed to be detrimental to national interest and security.