Regulation of Social Networking Sites

Government had held discussions with social networking sites and brought to notice of social networking sites that many objectionable content appearing on the sites may lead to law and order problems. The social networking sites were requested to take appropriate steps in line with those outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2000.

Adequate legal provisions are already in place in this regard. Government, on 11.4.2011, has notified Information Technology (Intermediaries guidelines) Rules, 2011 under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Further section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 empowers Government to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to these. 

This was stated by Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 8.8 2012. 

Source : PIB