Mystical bomb threats: MeitY warns platforms they will lose safe harbor if misinformation is not removed – Archyde

With several airlines reporting disruption to their operations due to false bomb threats over the past few days, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked social media platforms to remove such misinformation as soon as possible.

The government has warned them of losing their safe harbor status if they do not remove such misinformation from the platforms. According to section 79 of the Information Technology Under the 2000 Act, platforms are immune from prosecution for content posted by users.

“It is observed that the scope of circulation of such false bomb threats is dangerously unlimited due to the availability of forward/reshare/repost/retweet option on social media platforms. Such false bomb threats are basically disinformation that massively disrupts public order, airline operations and passenger safety,” MeitY said in a message to platforms on Friday.

“Exemption from liability for any third party information, data or communication channels provided or posted by social media intermediaries as provided under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act shall not apply if such intermediaries fail to comply with due diligence obligations as prescribed under with the Information Technology Act. The Information Technology Act reads in accordance with the Information Technology Rules, 2021, or they were abettors or accomplices in the commission of the unlawful act,” it said.

The department also referred to the provisions of the IT Rules, according to which platforms will have to provide information on this issue to law enforcement agencies within 72 hours.

The issue assumes significance as more than 275 flights operated by Indian carriers received false bomb threats in a span of 12 days. Most of the threats came through social networks.

The government said the platforms will also be responsible for follow-up action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS) in case they fail to comply with due diligence obligations.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Act 2023 (BNSS) places an additional duty on concerned intermediaries to report certain offenses that are alleged to be committed by any user of their platform, including acts with the intent to threaten or may threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security or economic security Indiaas recommended.

Last week, MeitY also held a meeting on the issue with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Meta, Google and Telegram. The meeting ordered platforms to immediately share data with law enforcement about accounts that post false bomb threats.