Government to take measures to block Facebook in emergencies

NEW DELHI: In times of national security or public order are under threat, the government wants to block social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, Instagram and WhatsApp. This step came forward after WhatsApp was asked how its platform was used for mobilisation by deadly lynch mobs across various states in India.

Industry’s views on technical measures that can developed for blocking popular mobile apps under Section 69A of the IT Act, which says power to issue directions for blocking public access to any information through a computer resource, were asked by the department of telecom(DoT).

Section 69A gives the power to the central government or any officer authorised by it to issue directions to block information on the internet in the name of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of the country, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to them.

“The Facebook-owned instant messenger has not committed itself on traceability and attribution of messages which had been one of the key demands of the government,” said an IT ministry official. WhatsApp has been blamed for mob lynchings across many states for viral messaging of rumours on social media platforms.

The IT ministry added saying that, “WhatsApp cannot escape from its responsibility for such rampant abuse of its platform and needs to find originators of provocative messages. In its second notice to the messaging service, the government had warned that in the absence of adequate checks, it will treat the messaging platform as abettor of rumour propagation and legal consequences will follow.”

In their defense, WhatsApp told the government, “We are building a local team, including having an India head, as part of steps to check fake news circulation.”