In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a stringent social media policy to regulate online content across platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. The policy, approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday, is designed to address and curb objectionable content on social media, with a particular focus on anti-national posts.
Strict Penalties for Anti-National Content
Under this new policy, posting anti-national content has been classified as a grave offense, with severe penalties that can range from three years of imprisonment to life imprisonment. This marks a substantial escalation in the state’s approach to handling such content, which was previously dealt with under Sections 66E and 66F of the Information Technology (IT) Act—sections that address privacy violations and cyberterrorism, respectively.
The policy reflects the government’s determination to take a firm stand against content that could potentially harm national integrity. The legal framework laid out by the policy ensures that anyone found guilty of disseminating anti-national material online will face serious consequences.
Crackdown on Obscene and Defamatory Posts
In addition to targeting anti-national content, the new policy also addresses the spread of obscene and defamatory material on social media. Such content, under the new guidelines, could lead to criminal defamation charges. This move further emphasizes the state’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of digital spaces and ensuring that they are not misused for purposes that could damage reputations or spread harmful narratives.
Promoting Government Schemes and Incentivizing Influencers
While the policy is strict on harmful content, it also opens up avenues for positive engagement. The Uttar Pradesh government is actively encouraging the sharing of content related to government schemes, initiatives, projects, and achievements. To promote this, the policy includes provisions for digital advertising through a designated agency known as ‘V-Form,’ which will be responsible for handling and showcasing these advertisements across various social media platforms.
This policy is also set to benefit social media influencers, who can now earn significant income by promoting government schemes. Influencers have the opportunity to earn up to Rs 8 lakh per month by sharing such content on their platforms, with payment limits set for different social media channels. For instance, on X, Facebook, and Instagram, the maximum monthly payment limits are Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively. On YouTube, influencers can earn up to Rs 8 lakh for videos, Rs 7 lakh for shorts, and Rs 6 lakh for podcasts.
Potential Employment Opportunities
The new social media policy also hints at potential employment opportunities for those adept at navigating digital platforms. By involving influencers and social media account operators in its outreach strategy, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to create a robust digital ecosystem that not only spreads positive information but also offers financial benefits to participants.
This comprehensive approach, blending strict regulation with opportunities for digital engagement, underscores the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s integrity and leveraging the power of social media to promote constructive narratives.