NEW DELHI: Internet freedom advocates on Feb 26 warned new Indian social media regulations could pose a threat to freedom of expression, after New Delhi announced plans for tough new rules that could force platforms to remove content it deems objectionable. Tech companies will also have to disclose the origin of a “mischievous tweet or message” if asked by an Indian court or the government. The social media giant wants regulation “that protects the open Internet, universal access, and promotes competition and innovation”, they added. Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said tech companies have to be “more responsible, more accountable”, describing the rules as “soft-touch oversight”. “They accept that there will have to be some kind of regulation,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Source: The Star February 28, 2021 14:03 UTC