DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

GS-III : Internal security Cyber Security

05 February, 2021
5 Min Read

Government’s notice to Twitter

Context

The Government’s notice to Twitter after it reinstated 257 handles that mentioned a controversial hashtag “#farmergenocide”, which the government wanted blocked, marks a critical point in an already uneasy relationship between a powerful government and an influential technology platform.

What is the Twitter issue?

A showdown seems inevitable now, what with the Government threatening Twitter with penal action under Section 69A of IT ACT,2000, for not complying with its orders.
The issue pertains to tweets put out by some handles on the ongoing farmer protests as also a hashtag that suggested that a farmer genocide was being planned.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT ordered these handles (257 URLs and one hashtag) to be blocked on the grounds that they were spreading dangerous misinformation about the protests.
Twitter initially complied with the order but then restored these tweets and handles, which included those of media houses.

Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000

The Government’s initial order was issued under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, under which it can direct an intermediary to block any information for public access “in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to above…”

This is the same Section under which hundreds of Chinese apps have been banned in recent months.
The world over, technology platforms have enough safeguards to act as intermediaries without being liable for the content that is published.
But Twitter’s act of defying the orders as per the law means it is on slippery territory.
Though the use of Section 69A has been often criticised for the secrecy surrounding the process, it was upheld by the Supreme Court in the landmark Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015).
The Court then was satisfied with the safeguards available.
The technology platform’s stance may perhaps even lead to a legal challenge to the provisions of the Section.

Conclusion

On the other hand, while there are many grounds on which this Government’s handling of the farm protests can be criticised, including its hypersensitivity to any criticism, reflected in the FIRs filed against many journalists, it has to be unequivocally said that the hashtag that it wanted to be blocked was not merely distasteful but seriously problematic, and indefensible on the grounds of freedom of speech.
In a very sensitive setting, one that at least at one point was simmering with the potential for large-scale violence, provocation of any kind is unacceptable.
What further happens in this face-off will be of interest not just for the two parties but for the governments of the world as well as the platforms of the world.

Source: TH

Join Our Telegram

Serological survey of ICMR

Budget 2021 and Public Transportation

India–Azerbaijan

05 Apr, 26
SHARE

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

04 Apr, 26
SHARE

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

03 Apr, 26
SHARE

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

01 Apr, 26
SHARE

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala

Quick Links Testimonials FAQ

Crash Course

Regular Modules 2024

Mains

Optional

Government’s notice to Twitter

Government’s notice to Twitter

India–Azerbaijan

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

ADR Report on Political Funding

Maritime Chokepoints

US-Israel-Iran War

DNA

05 Apr,2026

Important GS Topics

Toppers

Search By Date

Top Editorials

UPSC Courses

Saarthi Mentorship Programme

Important Tags

Articles:Geography And Environment

Articles: History Culture Society

Articles: Governance & National Issues

Articles: IR & IO

Articles: Economic Development & Economic Issues

Articles: S&T Internal Security

Articles: Ethics & Others

Articles: Others

Newsletter Subscription

SMS Alerts

Important Links