A Call for Action In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, we’ve seen a lot of discussions about protecting free speech, but what happens when that speech turns violent? Recently, a potential conflict between India and Pakistan was defused, thanks in part to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who announced an important understanding between the two nations. Unfortunately, rather than celebrating this peace, his social media accounts were bombarded with abusive comments that even targeted his daughter. In response, Mr. Misri chose to lock his account, which speaks volumes about the toxic nature of online discourse today. Several politicians and diplomats have rightfully condemned this abhorrent behavior, emphasizing that certain moral boundaries have been crossed. It’s crucial to remember that Mr. Misri was simply doing his job when he communicated a decision from our political leadership. His remarks were made in the context of addressing the media following Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7 after a tragic terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam. While the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticized Pakistan for its widespread disinformation campaign, it’s disappointing to see silence on the vile trolling faced by Mr. Misri and the harassment directed towards his family.
The rise of social media in India has been phenomenal, yet our collective understanding of responsible internet use often lags behind. This unfortunate trend has transformed platforms into breeding grounds for hate speech and misinformation. Yes, the public sphere has become more inclusive, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to a more civil or respectful environment. Women, minorities, and marginalized groups are disproportionately targeted by trolls, facing threats that go beyond mere words, including heinous violence. Given the extensive surveillance infrastructure among tech companies, one would hope that identifying and curbing the activities of these trolls wouldn’t be an insurmountable task. We urgently need stringent anti-troll legislation to tackle the severe mental and physical harassment these individuals inflict. The upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, set to be implemented this year, aim to penalize the misuse of personal information, which is a step in the right direction. However, we currently have only a handful of provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act to combat cyberbullying effectively. The judiciary has been proactive, mandating the quick removal of harmful content and ensuring the disclosure of subscriber information linked to abusive accounts. A recent case in point is the Shaviya Sharma ruling by the Delhi High Court, which recognized how unchecked doxing can infringe on individuals’ right to privacy. In a democracy, the diversity of voices should be embraced, but we must stand firm against the spread of disinformation and misinformation with established guidelines and laws. It’s time we all contribute to making our virtual spaces safer and more respectful for everyone.
Sources:
- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/toxic-trolling-on-india-pakistan-conflict-troll-army/article69567484.ece
- https://www.nyoooz.com/news/delhi/1726295/the-digital-lynch-mob-why-india-must-crack-down-on-toxic-trolling-culture/
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