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রাষ্ট্রব্যবস্থা ও শাসনGS2
GS2

Meta Restricts Kashmir Pellet Victim Post Under IT Rules

Source:The Hindu ↗

কেন এটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ

This issue is relevant for GS-3 (Internal Security) and GS-2 (Polity and Governance). It highlights the practical application and implications of the IT Rules, 2021 on digital free speech, and also serves as a critical case study on human rights, police reforms (use of non-lethal weapons for crowd control), and the government's approach to "winning hearts and minds" in terrorism-affected regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

সারসংক্ষেপ

Meta restricted an Instagram post by a news outlet detailing the story of Insha Mushtaq, a Kashmiri woman blinded by a pellet gun in 2016. The restriction was enforced citing India's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The censorship comes amid renewed public and judicial scrutiny of pellet guns, driven by protests at Jantar Mantar and Supreme Court hearings. The event underscores the continuing debate over controversial crowd control measures in conflict zones like Kashmir and highlights the government's use of IT rules to regulate social media narratives involving internal security.

মূল বিষয়

  • Meta restricted an Instagram post about Kashmir pellet gun victim Insha Mushtaq under India's Information Technology Rules, 2021.
  • The post coincided with renewed focus on pellet gun usage after protests at Jantar Mantar and an ongoing Supreme Court hearing on crowd control mechanisms.
  • Insha Mushtaq was blinded during the 2016 Kashmir unrest following the death of Burhan Wani, an event that saw over 6,000 civilian pellet injuries.
  • As a conflict resolution measure a decade later, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced an LPG dealership for Mushtaq.
  • The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing internal security measures and social media regulation with freedom of expression and human rights.

গুরুত্বপূর্ণ শব্দ

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

A regulatory framework under the IT Act, 2000, mandating social media, digital news, and OTT platforms to observe due diligence, establish grievance redressal mechanisms, and comply with government content moderation orders.

UPSC context

Relevant for GS Papers 2 and 3, focusing on governance, freedom of speech, and the regulation of social media platforms.

Source
Meta

A multinational technology conglomerate owning platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. It operates as a Significant Social Media Intermediary in India, obligating it to comply strictly with national digital regulations.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper 3 regarding the role of social networking sites in internal security challenges and intermediary liability.

Source
Supreme Court

The apex judicial body in India. It frequently reviews the constitutionality of state actions, such as the use of pellet guns in Kashmir, balancing national security imperatives with fundamental human rights.

UPSC context

Crucial for GS Paper 2 (Judiciary, Fundamental Rights) regarding judicial review, executive oversight, and the protection of civil liberties.

প্রিলিমস ফাঁদ

The Supreme Court has imposed a blanket ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control under Article 21.

The SC ruled an outright ban cannot be judicially ordered as police regulations permit them in extreme situations. The underlying statutory regulations must be challenged.

সংযুক্ত স্থির ধারণা

Polity & Governance

What is the "Safe Harbour" doctrine under the Information Technology Act?

  • Section 79: Exempts social media intermediaries from legal liability for third-party user-generated content.
  • Conditional immunity: Protection applies only if the platform observes prescribed due diligence, such as complying with IT Rules 2021.
  • Takedown requirement: Intermediaries must remove unlawful content upon receiving an authorized government notification or court order.
Internal Security

What are the recommended alternatives to metallic pellet guns for crowd control?

  • TVSN Prasad Committee: Constituted by the MHA in 2016 to explore non-lethal crowd control alternatives in conflict zones.
  • PAVA shells: Recommended the use of Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide (synthetic pepper) shells as a safer alternative.
  • Other options: Also suggested stun grenades, tear gas, and soft-material bullets (polymer, rubber, paper).

আন্তঃবিষয় প্যাটার্ন

  • Free Speech vs Internal Security

    The Shreya Singhal judgment upheld Section 69A blocking powers, creating a permanent tension between Article 19(1)(a) free speech rights and state security imperatives.

  • Crowd Control and Human Rights

    Non-lethal weapon deployment directly links GS3 internal security doctrine with GS2 human rights jurisprudence, highlighting the need for proportionate force.

Expect a multi-statement Prelims question merging Section 69A blocking powers, IT Rules 2021, and the 'Safe Harbour' doctrine.

সংযুক্ত PYQ · 3

সংযুক্ত PYQ · 3

  • 2024MainsGS3

    Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.

  • 2016MainsGS3

    Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

  • 2023MainsGS3

    Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.