Social Media Regulation: The Karnataka High Court on 'Liberty Yoked with Responsibility'
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Fundamental Rights - Article 19, Judiciary); Science and Technology (Information Technology Act, Social Media).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability. The regulation of social media is a key governance challenge.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T and Security): Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges; Basics of cyber security.
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): Ethical dimensions of freedom of speech and the responsibility of corporations.
Key Highlights from the News
The Karnataka High Court dismissed the petition filed by X Corp. challenging the orders issued by central and state governments to remove content from social media.
The court stated that "uncontrolled freedom" (anarchic freedom) cannot be granted to social media, and that content regulation is essential in a democracy.
Liberty is yoked with responsibility. All social media platforms operating in India are obliged to comply with Indian laws.
X Corp. challenged the government orders issued under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act.
The court criticized X for its double standards, complying with American laws but refusing to adhere to Indian laws.
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