The government has asked WhatsApp to convey the various steps they take to deal with fake news, even as it said the Centre has no plans to tap into citizen’s messages, Parliament was informed today.
Besides, the government has taken several initiatives for user awareness relating to cyber safety and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues advisories about cyber safety and security, Minister of State for Electronics and IT SS Ahluwalia pointed.
Following multiple incidents of mob killing across the country, the government had slapped WhatsApp with two notices, with the second one warning that it will treat it as ‘abettor’ of rumor propagation and legal consequences will follow if satisfactory checks are not put in place. WhatsApp, in its response to these notices, had outlined initiatives it’s taking to curb fake news circulation, including education and advocacy efforts.
“MHA has also issued a number of advisories which includes advisory on untoward incidents in the name of protection of cows…advisory on cyber-crime prevention and control…and also an advisory on incidents of lynching by mobs in some States fueled by rumors of lifting/kidnapping of children,” he said.
He added, pursuant to the directions of a Supreme Court order, MHA has issued a directive to all states for implementation of directions of the apex court and has constituted a Group of Ministers and a High level Committee to make recommendations in this matter.
CYBER NEWS 