The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed grave concerns about the role of certain social media influencers and platforms in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. According to the committee, some of these online actors are allegedly spreading inflammatory content that could incite violence and undermine national unity.
Ministries Asked to Submit Action Plan
In response, the committee has urged the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take decisive action. The ministries have been asked to submit a detailed report by 8 May 2025, outlining steps taken or proposed under the IT Act, 2000, and the Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules, 2021. This request marks a serious push to regulate and potentially ban platforms or accounts posing risks to public safety and national security.
Legal Framework for Action
India’s existing legal provisions, particularly Section 69A of the IT Act, give authorities the power to block or remove online content threatening the country’s sovereignty, security, or public order. The 2021 IT Rules further mandate digital platforms to appoint grievance officers, ensure swift content moderation, and maintain accountability.
Aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
The attack in Pahalgam, executed by five militants targeting tourists in Baisaran Valley, has not only shaken the region but also triggered a wave of divisive and hateful content online. The rise in Islamophobic and anti-Kashmiri sentiments has added to social tensions, making the regulation of digital content more urgent than ever.
UN Calls for Peace and Restraint
Amid rising regional tensions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged India and Pakistan to show maximum restraint. Labeling the situation as the worst in years, he emphasized that a military response is not the answer. Guterres offered the UN’s support to encourage diplomacy and peaceful dialogue between the two nations.
Final Note
As digital platforms grow in influence, the Indian government’s swift actions reflect its resolve to curb misuse that threatens peace and national interest. The days ahead could shape how India balances digital freedom with national security.
