Socialising social media

Online media platforms must be regulated to protect the public from lies that polarise society

The past two decades have seen a phenomenal growth in the use of the Internet in India — from about 5 million users in 2000 to more than 500 million at present. However, the manner in which the Internet is used by service providing platforms is far less regulated than the activities of corresponding traditional providers of these services. 

On November 9, the government issued a notification that films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers and news and current affairs content on online platforms will be under the purview of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. When it comes