New Delhi, Oct 26 (PTI) Amid a spate of bomb threats against domestic airlines, the government has issued a notice to social media platforms such as Meta and X to promptly remove misinformation , report threats and assist authorities within the allotted time frame.

The Center also reminded intermediaries of their obligations under the IT Rules and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and warned of “consequential action” if the norms are not followed.

The notice clearly states that any failure to comply with the “due diligence” requirements will result in the revocation of protection (the safe harbor against third-party content) under Section 79 and may result in “consequential action” in under any law.

Piling up pressure on intermediaries, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) advisory highlighted the responsibility of social media platforms in cracking down on the spread of false bomb threats. Terming the false bomb threats as disinformation, the advisory said they massively disrupt public order, airline operations and the safety of travelers.

MeitY emphasized that social media platforms must adhere to the IT Act, 2000, IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and that these platforms are required to promptly remove illegal content. content to maintain public order and security.

The latest step taken by the IT Ministry assumes particular significance as over 275 flights operated by Indian carriers have faced bomb threats in the last 12 days. Most of the threats were made via social media. On Friday alone, more than 25 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats.

The government also consulted social media platforms Meta and X earlier this week and asked them to share data on hoax bomb threat messages to airlines.

Cases of malicious acts in the form of false bomb threats against airlines lead to a potential threat to public order and state security, the notice notes.

These false bomb threats, while affecting large numbers of citizens, also destabilize the country’s economic security.

Further, it has been observed that the scale of spread of these threats is dangerously rampant due to the availability of “forward/reshare/re-post/re-tweet” option on social media platforms.

These false bomb threats are mostly disinformation that massively disrupts public order, airline operations and the safety of air travelers, the document notes.

In an official statement on Saturday, the government said social media platforms have a “duty of due diligence” under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Guidelines) Rules Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) of 2021 to promptly remove misinformation that affects public order and state security.

“As part of these due diligence obligations, it is the responsibility of the relevant intermediaries, including social media intermediaries, to promptly take necessary action under the IT Rules 2021 by not authorizing any user to host, display , download, modify, publish, transmit, store. , update or share any illegal or false information,” he said.

The exemption from liability for any third party information, data or communication links made available or hosted by social media intermediaries, as provided for in Article 79 of the IT Act, does not apply “if such intermediaries fail to comply with the due diligence obligations prescribed by law. The IT Act was read with the IT Rules, 2021 or abetted or aided in the commission of an illegal act,” the official statement said.

“In case of non-compliance by the intermediaries with the due diligence obligations provided for in the IT Rules, 2021, the provisions of section 79 of the IT Act will not be applicable to such intermediary and they will be liable for the consequential measures provided in under section 79 of the IT Act. any law, including the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS),” he added.

The advisory highlights the key responsibilities and obligations of social media intermediaries, including prompt removal of misinformation and reporting of violations under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

According to the document, social media platforms must comply with their due diligence obligations and disable or remove access to illegal information, including false bomb threats, within strict time limits, and cooperate with government agencies. They are also mandated to report activities or acts that threaten or are likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security or economic security of India.

Additionally, social media intermediaries are required to provide relevant information and assistance to authorized government agencies within stipulated time frames (as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours) to facilitate investigations or cybersecurity efforts. PTI MBI MR MR

This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.