There is a war on social media about the peasant movement. Recently, the government had told micro-blogging site Twitter to remove some accounts and tweets from its platform. According to the order, the company blocked these accounts and tweets. Twitter has reactivated that content without getting permission from the government. Due to this decision of the company, a legal tussle has started between the company and the government.
The government has clearly stated on Twitter that if it does not block such tweets from its platform, then criminal action will be taken against it. The government says that such a tweet can create instability within the country. This is going to spoil and provoke the atmosphere. The government argues that all social media platforms, including Twitter, are covered under the Information Technology Act. Under this law, if the content is going to spoil social harmony, then the company has to remove it from its platform.
Social Media Platform Forced To Obey
According to the law regarding this in India, if a court or an Enforcement Agency directs the removal of such a post, the social media platform will have to accept this order. The company shall not be responsible for any consequences in the event of acceptance of the rules. Under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the government has the right to order the social media platform to block content that the general public cannot access. If someone does not follow this order, he can be imprisoned for up to seven years. Apart from this, fines can also be imposed.
Re-store 257 Accounts With Your Mind
Twitter says that it re-stored 257 accounts because the tweets made on their behalf are under free speech and are very important in terms of news. Twitter has quoted its service term saying that it is a social broadcast network that gives its users and organization a chance to put its point in front of the world. It is an open exemption for the voices of different classes. They are completely free to express their views, their opinions, and their views. If content does not ignore the rules of Twitter, then users can put anything with their handle.
Twitter Has The Option To Go To Court
Through this, Twitter is trying to say that it will only block content that does not come under its term and condition. In this way, the company seems to be entangled in its own rules about blocking and un-blocking content. On the other hand, as long as Twitter is doing its business in India, it is necessary to follow the domestic law here. If the company refrains from any order of the Enforcement Authority, it can move the court against it. The company does not have the right to ignore the government’s order and decide on the content itself.
The Right To Freedom Of Speech Is Not Absolute In Itself
Talking about the right to free speech in India, it is not complete. There are some reasonable restrictions to this. Every citizen of the country has the freedom to speak his speech, but he cannot be a defamer, a disgrace, a disgrace of the dignity of the court, or a compromise with the security of the country is.
The Matter Can Reach The Court
If this matter is not resolved soon then it is possible that the court will have to decide on it. If this matter reaches the court, then the main question will be whether the social media platform under the current law is fully obliged to follow the orders of the government or not. It is also possible that what will be the limit of the Court’s Freedom of Speech, especially on social media, will tell its new definition. During this, there will also be an important question, who will define free speech. Is it a matter of the government or a private company will make a decision on it? At present, these are subjects for which there is no rule in Black and White.
Deep Impact On International And Domestic Politics
In the last few years, Twitter has seen a deep impact on international and domestic politics. Global leaders, corporate and governments actively promote through it. Through this, communication between the public and the government has become easier. Here people of every class and every ideology keep their things open. The platform gives everyone an equal chance.
India In Third Place In Terms Of Subscribers
It has popularity all over the world. Government and corporate leaders of all countries are connected with this platform. In India too, all political parties and leaders of those parties, state governments are on this platform. Through this, they communicate with the public and also promote their works. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself and all the ministers in his cabinet are available on this platform and are also very active. Twitter has around 18.9 million subscribers in India and in this case, it is third in the world.
