The Indian government is reportedly planning to enact sweeping changes to the local intermediary liability rules, making it incumbent on social media companies and OTT messaging services, like Facebook and WhatsApp, to identify any user for posting content deemed problematic by the establishment. That’s according to TechCrunch, which says the government will submit the suggested changes to the Supreme Court later this month in spite of serious concerns expressed by technology experts and civil rights activists alike.
#Facebook, #WhatsApp to identify the originator of messages. The new Intermediary Rules may introduce regulations that require social media companies and instant messaging app providers to identify users who have posted content or sent messages. @TechCrunch #sflcin pic.twitter.com/tubYRFxxjx
Not only would such a legislation be against the fundamental rights to speech and expression, but experts spoken to by the blog have also contended that complying with such demands may not even be technically feasible without jeopardizing the privacy of every user on these platforms – not only in India, but around the world. According to SFLC, “No country (other than India) is demanding such a broad level of traceability as envisaged by the Draft Intermediaries Guidelines”, which is why companies like Facebook and others are expected to fight the proposed regulations to their fullest.
