At a recent ET Roundtable in New Delhi, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the need for greater responsibility among social media platforms, signalling that India is open to revising its regulatory framework if supported by political and public consensus.
He noted that globally, there is growing recognition of the need for social media accountability. In international forums such as the G20 and various bilateral discussions, digital ministers have repeatedly agreed that platforms should be more responsible in managing content. Vaishnaw pointed out that social media companies now function beyond their original role as neutral platforms. By actively moderating and altering content through proprietary algorithms, they have assumed roles similar to traditional media, which are typically subject to editorial scrutiny and accountability.
The minister underscored that India is actively engaged in consensus-building, both politically and socially. He mentioned that the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology has conducted several rounds of discussions, with representatives from across political parties expressing shared concerns. Many agree that social media platforms must be held accountable for the content they disseminate. Vaishnaw stated that if this consensus continues to grow among lawmakers and citizens alike, the government would be willing to amend the legal framework to ensure safer and more responsible digital spaces.
He also clarified the government’s stance on compliance, stating firmly that all entities operating within India, including individuals and multinational tech companies, are obligated to adhere to the Constitution and the laws passed by Parliament.
Ultimately, the minister stressed that any regulatory evolution should aim to maximise the positive impact of social media while minimising the harm, reinforcing the role of traditional print media as currently the most credible source of information.
