MeitY Issues Advisory Urging Social Media Platforms to Curb Spread of Hoax Bomb Threats Affecting Airlines

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a stern advisory, urging intermediaries, including social media platforms, to take immediate action against the spread of hoax bomb threats targeting airlines operating in India. The Ministry emphasized that social media intermediaries must adhere to legal guidelines set forth in the IT Act, 2000, the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, to ensure public safety and national security.

The advisory highlights the impact of hoax bomb threats, noting that such misinformation endangers public order, disrupts airline operations, and threatens the economic security of the country. The Ministry pointed out that social media platforms’ “forwarding” and “re-sharing” features allow misinformation to spread rapidly, intensifying the potential harm of these false threats.

Under the IT Act and related guidelines, social media platforms are required to conduct due diligence by promptly removing or disabling access to unlawful content, including hoax threats that disrupt public security. Failure to adhere to these obligations can lead to legal consequences, as exemptions from liability under Section 79 of the IT Act will not apply if platforms do not meet these standards.

MeitY reiterated the following key responsibilities for intermediaries, including social media platforms:

1. Prompt Removal of Misinformation: Intermediaries must take immediate action to disable or remove access to unlawful information, including hoax bomb threats, in compliance with their due diligence obligations.
2. Reporting Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Social media platforms are required to report any activity that poses a threat to India’s unity, sovereignty, or economic security, under the new security legislation.
3. Collaboration with Government Agencies: Social media intermediaries must cooperate with authorized government agencies by providing information and assistance within 72 hours of a request, aiding in investigations and cybersecurity efforts.

The Ministry’s advisory underscores the seriousness of the issue, warning that platforms that fail to observe their responsibilities may face penalties under the IT Act, the BNS, or other applicable laws.