Standup comic Kunal Kamra has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking an interim halt to the implementation of the Fact-Checking Unit (FCU) as per the recently revised Information Technology (IT) Rules of 2023.
The FCU, devised to spot counterfeit and deceptive content on social media platforms targeting the government, has faced resistance from Kamra. This move comes after the Bombay High Court declined to intervene against the establishment of the FCU under the 2023 Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules.
Initiated on April 6, 2023, by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the IT Rules amendments introduced the FCU to identify and signal "fake, false, or misleading online content concerning the government." As per the rules, if flagged, social media intermediaries have the choice to either remove the content or attach a disclaimer. However, by opting for the latter, they forfeit their legal immunity, opening themselves to legal repercussions.
Kamra's argument pivots on the potential for the FCU to compel social media entities to engage in biased censorship of content related to the central government, under the guise of shielding themselves from legal liabilities. He contends that such a regime would stifle free expression critical of the government. Kamra's plea highlights the existing Press Information Bureau as an already robust mechanism to counter misinformation regarding the Union government, thereby questioning the necessity of the FCU.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Supreme Court dismisses plea seeking postponement of CA exams; details here
Apr 29, 2024 2:29 PM
Just 8% women candidates contested first two phases of Lok Sabha polls
Apr 29, 2024 12:00 PM
The sexual assault case against Prajwal Revanna — here's what we know so far
Apr 29, 2024 11:36 AM
Repolling underway at one polling booth in Chamarajanagar LS segment in Karnataka
Apr 29, 2024 10:32 AM