Google and Facebook object Sibal’s internet censorship

15 Dec 2011 Evaluate

Concerned over the contents on the social networking sites, Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal today took the issue with internet titans -- Google and Facebook. The social networking sites which allow users to express themselves and share their view without any restrictions will be monitored soon.

Clarifying government’s stance, Sibal’s deputy, Sachin Pilot who was present at the meeting said the government “does not want to censor” the Internet. He added that ministry wants to block such content which can outrage communal tensions in the country. Government has become stringent over the internet content after the November 2008 terror attacks which shook country.

However, government also wants these sites to block the content which is expressed against political interest. As these days the users on networking sites are freely expressing their views about the corruption-ridden UPA government and scams. As many as 38 millions of facebook users have supported the anti-corruption movement.

Responding to governments move, the private players have suggested forming an independent committee monitoring the contents. This committee will comprise private players who will decide if the content is harmful to national interest.

Government strongly favouring this move has already held six meetings with these internet giants since September 05 and soon aims to chalk out a solution formulating content guidelines for social networking sites. The Information Technology Act of 2008 authorises ministry to act against Web portals and ask them to block their sites or contents; failing to comply with government orders within 36 hours can result in fines and imprisonment for up to seven years.

This move of government has led to outrage on all social networking sites wherein users are strongly condemning the act of blocking contents and refraining users from expressing their views.

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