Centre’s Social Media Crackdown Sparks Censorship Debate
Govt cites deepfake threat; opposition flags misuse of IT laws
- Ashwini Vaishnaw defends crackdown on deepfakes
- Blocking orders issued under IT Act to multiple accounts
- Opposition alleges rising digital censorship
- Draft IT Rules propose action against online news creators
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 31st March: The Centre’s recent action against social media content has triggered a sharp debate, with the government defending the move as necessary to curb the growing threat of deepfakes, while opposition parties and digital rights groups have raised concerns over censorship.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has led to a surge in manipulated content online.
“A huge quantity of deepfakes has started pouring into social media… it is a new threat for society,” he said, adding that platforms have significantly increased takedown actions to tackle the issue.
The crackdown, however, has drawn criticism after several social media accounts, including those critical of the government, were blocked under Section 69A of the IT Act.
Reports indicate that multiple accounts on platforms like X, Facebook and Instagram were restricted or withheld following government directives.
The Congress has accused the government of using legal provisions to control digital discourse, alleging that entire accounts are being targeted rather than specific content.
Digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation has also expressed concern, stating that many takedown orders lack transparency and appear to target political or critical content.
The group has called for clearer guidelines, proper notice to users, and accessible legal remedies for those affected.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed draft amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, which would allow authorities to issue takedown notices to independent news creators and direct modifications or apologies if content is found in violation.
The move has intensified the debate over balancing regulation of harmful content with protection of free speech in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
