SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP
Are authorities losing control as youth protests leverage technology to bypass shutdowns?
Youth-led protests around the world have increasingly relied on digital tools to organize and communicate. Authorities find it challenging to respond effectively to these protests, as traditional methods such as internet shutdowns are less effective. The recent demonstrations in New Delhi highlighted the use of Bluetooth-based messaging and VPNs for coordination. Governments may need to consider more proportional responses to avoid further radicalization of protest movements.
France moves to make rioters pay through family welfare benefit
France's Senate has approved a law to hold families accountable for damages caused by riots and unrest. This legislation allows authorities to recover compensation from family benefits like housing aid and allowances. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable families and discourage peaceful protests. Similar accountability measures are being considered in other European countries amid concerns over riots.
Social media norms, AI, deepfakes, chips among others on review list of parliamentary panel in 2026-27
The development comes as several incidents of age-inappropriate content, circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and alleged censorship on social media have been reported widely.
'Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist': 150+ authors inlcuding Arundhati Roy urge UK to halt 'draconian' Palestine Action ban
More than 150 writers signed an open letter requesting changes to the UK's ban on Palestine Action. Irish author Sally Rooney announced her decision to halt book sales in the UK due to the ban. The Labour government faced criticism for categorizing Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The letter emphasizes the importance of free speech in the current political climate.
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Govt asks Meta to ensure its recommendation systems do not expose users to a limited set of narratives
The advisory by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), dated October 10, asked Meta to undertake appropriate measures to provide adequate context in relation to photographs, videos, graphics, or other content depicting ongoing public events, particularly where the authenticity, date, location or circumstances of such content may not be readily apparent to users.
How to deal with fake 'AI videos'? Salman Khan offers solution to stop such social media creators during Bigg Boss 20. ‘Until one or two...'
Salman Khan has spoken out against people who deliberately create fake AI videos and manipulated voices of actors, warning that such content can be mistaken for real footage and spread widely on social media. During Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar, he suggested a strict measure to stop those knowingly creating such videos and called for a law and stronger controls on social media.
European Union vows to defend its stand against X after the US backs a court challenge from Elon Musk
The European Union imposed a significant fine on social media platform X for regulatory violations. Following this, the U.S. government expressed support for Musk's legal efforts to dismiss the fine. The European Commission emphasised its right to enforce legislation aimed at protecting citizens. This situation has escalated tensions between Brussels and Washington regarding regulatory power. Officials from both sides have engaged in discussions about jurisdiction and implications for American companies.
Australia steps up response to AI after OpenAI bot breaches health system database
The incursion on one of the country's most used government agencies may prompt a tougher stance as Australia readies AI-specific laws starting in 2027, adding pressure to Australia-US relations already tested by Canberra's teen social media ban, tech policy experts said.
China exerts tight grip on information after floods
Deadly floods killed hundreds along the China-Nepal border, leaving thousands missing. China tightly controls information, limiting media access and punishing dissent online. Nepal, however, has provided regular updates and allowed extensive reporting on the disaster.
‘Message has gone home’: Govt presses Meta on CSAM, WhatsApp username row
Government's firm stance on child sexual abuse material prompts Meta's increased action. Discussions focus on algorithm adjustments and ensuring Indian laws are followed. The WhatsApp username row is under examination, affecting multiple messaging applications. Nations like Australia, the UK, and France share concerns over social media harms. Synthetically generated content must be labeled, with platforms holding responsibility.
India's tougher AI social media rules spark censorship fears
India has tightened rules governing the use of artificial intelligence on social media to combat a flood of disinformation, but also prompting warnings of censorship and an erosion of digital freedoms. With more than a billion internet users, India is grappling with AI-generated disinformation swamping social media.
Nepal blocks Facebook, X, YouTube and others for failing to register with the government
Nepal's Minister for Communication and Information Prithvi Subba Gurung said about two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to come forward and register their companies officially in the country. The platforms would be blocked immediately, he said.
Meta hit with fines by Turkey after refusing to restrict content on Facebook, Instagram
The social media company did not disclose the size of the fine, except to say it was "substantial" and did not provide any more details about the content in question. The Associated Press has approached the Turkish government for comment.
Regulating online hate speech 'not censorship': UN rights chief
The UN rights chief declared that regulating online hate speech and harmful content is not censorship. Meta recently announced it would remove fact-checkers from Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns over mistakes and censorship. UN officials stress the importance of accountability and trust-building in digital spaces to protect against misinformation and harm.
DeSantis White House bid: Here’s a look at the Florida governor’s stance on Big Tech
ETtech takes a look at Ron DeSantis’ stance on Big Tech and social media, as he gears up to challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming Republican primaries for the 2024 elections.
Twitter to restrict visibility of tweets that violate its policy
The social media firm said that Twitter users have the right to express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship.
Social media must keep social contract
The media operates on self-censorship, and the law steps in only when this fails. It also looks into bias masquerading as self-censorship. Social media will have to evolve along these lines. Voters, through governments, decide the freedoms they need. Courts uphold these freedoms. Social media is not the arbiter of free speech. The limits to free speech are set out by political, social, cultural underpinnings, and social media must comply.
Over a dozen think tanks call for end of ‘digital censorship’ in India
An open letter, signed by 14 not-for-profits, called upon the government to suspend the implementation of India’s new IT rules, which came into effect last month.
Facebook to end special treatment for politicians after Trump ban
Facebook Inc. is planning to end its policy that shields politicians from some content moderation rules, The Verge reports, in what would be a maor policy reversalfor the world's largest social network.
View: Govt needs a fresh approach to Big Tech regulation with an unbiased mindset
Most measures taken by regulators to address issues like ex ante regulation or anti-trust enforcement do not appear to be well thought-out. Such measures either fail to serve their intended purpose, or give rise to other issues. Result: lose-lose.
Party over at Clubhouse, the app that had China talking
For around a week, robust, open discussion on China pinballed across the American audio app, recently lent an air of exclusivity after an endorsement from Elon Musk.
China’s hue & cry over apps ban contradict its own rule of internet censorship
China has most extensive and sophisticated censorship regimes in the world. Described as the "Great Firewall," a number of methods are employed to control online content, including website blocking and keyword filtering, censoring social media, and arresting activists.
Facebook blocks photo of Neptune statue for being 'sexually explicit', apologises later for censorship
Elisa Barbari had chosen the statue in the Italian city of Bologna, which shows Neptune naked.
Key Google services partially inaccessible in China
Comments on social media about the disruption reflected widespread speculation that it could be related to the crackdown anniversary tomorrow.
Action only against sites posting inflammatory content: Sushilkumar Shinde
Government's decision to block certain Twitter accounts came after fake PMO accounts were found on Twitter and other social media sites.
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