Guidelines issued in February required all significant social media intermediaries to designate executives for these roles by May 26. Social media companies that have more than 50 lakh users in India are designated ‘significant’ social media intermediaries. Section 79 gives social media intermediaries immunity from legal prosecution for content posted on their platforms. Explained Potential flashpoint Since January, the government has repeatedly pulled up social media companies for “double standards” in dealing with India. As of February 2021, India had 530 million WhatsApp users, 448 million YouTube users, 410 million Facebook users, 210 million Instagram users, and 17.5 million Twitter users, according to latest data from the IT Ministry.

Source: Indian Express May 24, 2021 22:41 UTC