Katju on regulation of Social Media
On setting up a committee to regulate and legislate on social media
Newslaundry comments: What next? A letter to Mamata Banerjee commending her keen eye and iron rule over irresponsible social media?
Support Independent Media
The media must be free and fair, uninfluenced by corporate or state interests. That's why you, the public, need to pay to keep news free.
ContributeApril 23, 2012
Shri Kapil Sibal,
Hon’ble Minister for Communications and Information Technology
Shastri Bhawan,
New Delhi.
Re: Regulation of Social Media.
Dear Shri Sibal,
I had sent a letter yesterday to Mrs. Ambika Soni recommending a committee be set up by the Government of India consisting of legal and technical experts for placing some restrictions on the social media as it is often acting in an arbitrary and irresponsible manner. A copy of the letter is enclosed.
Mrs. Ambika Soni wrote back today that I should write to you in this connection as your Ministry is the relevant Ministry. A copy of the letter is enclosed.
I, therefore, request you to immediately set up a committee as proposed by me so that the social media can be regulated and suitable legislation be initiated on the basis of the recommendations of this committee. Unless this is done irreparable damage may be done to individuals or to society, as the material shown may be inflammatory or defamatory or otherwise harmful to people.
With regards,
Yours faithfully,
(Markandey Katju)
Check Katju’s Corner and his many missives on – http://www.newslaundry.com/category/katjus-corner/
Power NL-TNM Election Fund
General elections are around the corner, and Newslaundry and The News Minute have ambitious plans together to focus on the issues that really matter to the voter. From political funding to battleground states, media coverage to 10 years of Modi, choose a project you would like to support and power our journalism.
Ground reportage is central to public interest journalism. Only readers like you can make it possible. Will you?