Center directs social media companies to ‘delete fake posts with threats, failing which action will be taken’

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued an advisory to all social media platforms, instructing them to immediately remove “bomb threat posts”. The ministry said social media platforms that fail to comply with the directions will face prosecution under the provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Rules and the Judicial System of India Act (BNS).

The ministry warned online platforms that the safe harbor protection provided to them under the Information Technology Act may be withdrawn if they fail to comply with IT rules. Currently, the clause protects social media platforms from legal action over objectionable content posted by third parties.

“Airlines and security agencies are being affected by fake bomb rumors being spread,” the Information Technology Ministry said in an official statement. Such rumors are disrupting airline operations. Such malicious behavior also poses potential threats to national security and public order. Such fake bomb threats also destabilize the country’s economic security.

The IT ministry further said in its advisory, “Due to the retweet/retweet/retweet/retweet options on social media platforms, such rumors spread on a large scale and need to be controlled.” This is difficult to do. In the past 10 days, more than 250 flights of Air India, Indigo, Vistara, SpiceJet and other airlines have been affected by fake bomb threats. Most of these threats are made through social media platforms. Even schools, hotels and other venues have received similar warnings.

The IT ministry also said in its recommendations that all social media platforms will have to inform law enforcement agencies about the matter within 72 hours. Earlier this week, authorities at Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda airports received threats about the presence of bombs on several flights, but these turned out to be rumours. After the incident, the airport tightened security measures. In accordance with standard protocol, all airport premises were inspected following threats received. An official said the aircraft mentioned as being at risk were also sent to quarantine pods and thoroughly inspected, but nothing was found.