The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released an advisory targeting the duty of intermediaries, particularly social media platforms, to address the proliferation of false bomb threats made against various airlines in India. The ministry has underscored the necessity for these platforms to adhere to the IT Act of 2000, the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules established in 2021, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Timely removal of unlawful content is mandated to uphold public order and security.
False bomb threats are not only alarming but also threaten public safety and national security. Such incidents, while affecting many citizens, can also disrupt the country’s economic stability.
The rapid dissemination of hoax bomb threats has been found to be exceedingly uncontrolled, with social media tools like “forwarding,” “re-sharing,” “re-posting,” and “re-tweeting” playing significant roles in this spread. The circulation of this misinformation disrupts public order, hinders airline operations, and compromises the safety of air travelers.
In light of these concerns, intermediaries—including social media platforms—are tasked with a due diligence responsibility under the IT Act and the IT Rules of 2021. They are required to rapidly eliminate misinformation that threatens public order and state security, according to an official statement.
The Ministry has highlighted the critical role intermediaries play in this effort. They must act swiftly to remove false information and disable access to illegal content, such as hoax bomb threats, within designated time frames. Additionally, intermediaries are obligated to report any activities that may endanger India’s unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic stability as outlined in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. They are also expected to collaborate with government agencies by providing essential information and assistance for investigations or cybersecurity measures, ensuring these actions occur promptly, within a 72-hour timeframe.
