New Delhi: The Centre has called on social media companies to step up efforts against online fraud, including digital arrest scams, while demanding greater accountability for content shared on their platforms. Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged companies to improve child protection, ensure transparency in content recommendation algorithms and establish stronger grievance redressal systems.
Addressing concerns over the growing influence of social media, Vaishnaw said digital platforms could no longer operate without taking responsibility for the content circulated through their networks. He particularly highlighted threats involving children, women and online financial fraud, including digital arrest scams, where criminals impersonate police officers and other law enforcement officials to intimidate victims and extract money.
The minister also raised questions about the functioning of algorithms that determine what users see online. He stressed the need for greater transparency, particularly when it comes to content recommended to younger audiences. According to him, exposure to inappropriate material could have serious consequences for children’s mental and physical well-being.
Vaishnaw further pointed out that individuals affected by harmful online content often struggle to obtain timely assistance. At present, approaching law enforcement agencies or seeking legal intervention remains among the limited options available to aggrieved users.
He called for an accessible and effective complaint mechanism that allows citizens to report concerns and receive appropriate action from platforms.
Responding to questions about whether the government could reconsider the safe-harbour protections currently available to social media companies, the minister did not announce any specific policy decision.
He maintained that the government had repeatedly communicated its concerns to technology companies and expected platforms to take greater responsibility for user safety and accountability in the changing digital environment.
