New Delhi, 26 October 2024: In response to a rising number of fake bomb threats targeting airlines, the Indian government has issued a stern warning to social media platforms, urging them to take immediate action against such misinformation.
“The spread of hoax bomb threats disrupts not only airline operations but also public order and economic security,” the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated in an advisory released on Friday.
The ministry stressed that the ongoing threats have adversely impacted air travelers and security agencies, prompting a need for urgent intervention.
It mentioned the role of social media in amplifying these false claims through features that allow for easy sharing and reposting, which significantly escalates the potential for disruption. “These hoax threats are fundamentally misinformation that undermines the safety of airline travelers and the integrity of our public order,” the advisory noted.
Under the Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000, and the Information Technology Rules (IT Rules), 2021, social media platforms are required to exercise due diligence in monitoring and removing content that could pose a threat to public safety. The ministry reminded these platforms that their legal immunity for third-party content will be revoked if they fail to fulfill their obligations or facilitate unlawful activities.
“Platforms must cease the dissemination of unlawful or false information,” the ministry asserted. Failure to adhere to these regulations could lead to legal consequences under the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which has supplanted the Indian Penal Code. The government’s firm stance underscores the urgency of combating misinformation to protect citizens and maintain public order.
