"With ‘paid news' and other ills making the media vulnerable to state and corporate control, social networking sites are a countervailing force for ordinary citizens. Hence, the drive to regulate them."
The shifting sands of Kapil Sibal's reasons for objecting to certain matter carried on social media are interesting. Apparently, he first found a page maligning Sonia Gandhi and told Facebook this was unacceptable. He then wrote a letter and held meetings with Google and Facebook. Later he said, he objected to pornographic images. Then at a press conference he was worried about things that hurt religious sentiments. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : At the crossroads of mediaphobia.
The role of journalists as purveyors of public opinion is of great relevance in the present context because the internet enables the world to break through the filter of journalism and reach individuals directly.
The Minister is obviously worried about social networking sites because he cannot control them to his advantage. The Delhi High Court's approach — of appealing to the corporate social responsibility of the companies to creatively craft uniquely Indian secular solutions to the problem rather than harping at their non-existent legal liability — must be appreciated.
The role of journalists as purveyors of public opinion is of great relevance in the present context because the internet enables the world to break through the filter of journalism and reach individuals directly.
The Minister is obviously worried about social networking sites because he cannot control them to his advantage. The Delhi High Court's approach — of appealing to the corporate social responsibility of the companies to creatively craft uniquely Indian secular solutions to the problem rather than harping at their non-existent legal liability — must be appreciated.
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