Attempts by some companies to create ‘Internet imperialism’ are not acceptable: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Electronic and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that any attempt by some companies to create internet imperialism will not be accepted. He said that the government welcomes criticism but cannot be allowed to misuse social media.

In response to various supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Upper House, Prasad said that India is proud that there are around 140 crore users of social media and they are active on other forums including Facebook, Twitter. They said that they are free to do their business in India. But some companies should not have a monopoly on the Internet and social media should not be misused.

He said that the Internet is a powerful invention of humans, but no one should have a monopoly in it. He said that any attempt by some companies to create ‘Internet imperialism’ would not be acceptable. Prasad said that to maintain the sanctity of the country’s electoral process, the government is working in coordination with the Election Commission to ensure that fake news does not affect the election.

He said that the government is serious about making objectionable comments on social media by creating accounts through fake identities and to overcome this, the companies concerned have been asked to voluntarily verify the identity of the people. He said that some people hide their identity and keep telling the country ‘things of knowledge’. He said that his knowledge is welcome but first he should tell what his true identity is. Prasad said that we welcome criticism on social media but users also have to reveal their real identity.

On the question of action against climate activist Disha Ravi, including others, in relation to the agitation of farmers against the new agricultural laws, he said that the matter is a matter of law and order and the police has taken action. He said that the matter is still in court and the House should consider whether some people should be allowed to misuse social media to tarnish India’s image at the international level.

It is noteworthy that the government has issued new guidelines of social media forums in which new rules and laws have been made in relation to online content. Prasad said that in the new guideline, a complaint officer has also been provided. He said that the new guidelines have taken full care of the dignity and dignity of women and asked to remove the objectionable material within 24 hours.