Fake bomb threats: MeitY warns platforms will lose safe harbor if misinformation not removed – Tech News

With several airlines reporting disruptions in their operations in recent days due to fake bomb threats, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has asked social media platforms to promptly remove such misinformation.

The government warned them that they would lose their safe harbor status if they did not remove such misinformation from the platforms. Under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, platforms have immunity from prosecution for content posted by users.

“It has been observed that the extent of the spread of such fake bomb threats is dangerously limitless due to the availability of ‘redirect/reshare/repost/retweet’ option on social media platforms. Such fake bomb threats are mostly misinformation that massively disrupts public order, airline operations and airline passenger security,” MeitY said in a platform advisory on Friday.

“The disclaimer for any third party information, data or communication links made available or hosted by social media intermediaries, as provided in section 79 of the IT Act, does not apply if such intermediaries fail to comply with due diligence obligations, as provided in the IT Act read with the IT rules, 2021 or encouraged or aided, in the commission of the illegal act,” the notice said.

The ministry also cited the provisions of the IT Rules, according to which platforms will have to provide information on the subject to law enforcement agencies within 72 hours.

The issue assumes importance as over 275 flights operated by Indian carriers received fake bomb threats in the 12 days. Most of the threats were issued via social media.

The government said platforms will also be liable for consequential action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (NBS) also in case of non-compliance with due diligence obligations.

There is an additional liability for the concerned intermediaries under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) to compulsorily report certain offenses perceived to be committed by any user of their platform, which includes actions with intent to threaten or it threatens unity, integrity. , sovereignty, security or economic security a Indiaaccording to the notice.

Last week, MeitY also held a meeting with platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Meta, Google and Telegram, on this topic. In the meeting, the platforms were told to promptly share with law enforcement agencies data about accounts issuing fake bomb threats.