Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday emphasized the need to strengthen existing laws to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour, Vaishnaw called for a comprehensive review of current regulations and urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee to take up the matter.
Need for Stringent Laws to Control Vulgar Content
Vaishnaw, responding to a query raised by BJP member Arun Govil, highlighted the growing concerns over the unchecked spread of inappropriate content online. The minister pointed out that while editorial checks and guidelines once existed to determine what was appropriate for public consumption, these mechanisms have largely disappeared in the age of social media.
“In the past, there were editorial checks, and decisions were made regarding what content was right or wrong. But these checks have now ended,” Vaishnaw stated. He explained that social media platforms, while offering a space for free expression and the press, have become increasingly uncontrolled, leading to the proliferation of vulgar and inappropriate content.
“There is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on these platforms,” Vaishnaw stressed, amid a commotion in the House.
Existing Laws and Need for Reform
The minister’s comments came in response to questions about the efficacy of current regulations to prevent the illegal telecast of vulgar and sexually explicit content on social media. Vaishnaw acknowledged that existing laws have not been fully effective in addressing the misuse of these platforms.
He further called for a broader consensus on framing more robust and stringent laws that could tackle the issue more effectively. “The government is committed to ensuring that social media remains a platform for free speech, but this freedom should not be abused to the detriment of society,” he added.
Conclusion
The call for stricter regulations on social media content comes as part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that the digital space remains responsible and respectful. With the rapid growth of social media, concerns about the unchecked spread of harmful content have become a major issue. The Information and Broadcasting Minister’s remarks indicate that the government is looking to address these challenges through stronger legal frameworks.
