“Sensitivities must be respected”

Communications & IT Minister Kapil Sibal drew huge flak for his efforts to regulate social media. SENIOR EDITOR Bhavna Vij- Aurora speaks to him about the Government vis- a- vis social media in the wake of the Assam backlash.

Q. Social media has been used by anti- national elements to spread inflammatory material. How do you strike a balance between censorship and freedom of speech?

A. There is no question of censorship. I don’t want to use the word. The Government cannot censor freedom of speech. But even freedom of speech, as per the Constitution, is subject to security of state, contempt of court, defamation and other adjuncts. Sensitivities of individuals and communities have to be respected.

Q. Most sites like Facebook, Google, Twitter are hosted abroad. How would you handle the issue?

A. The country has now realised the danger involved and the need to address the issue. The websites and service providers have to come on board to develop an institutional mechanism to check spread of such content. The aim is to protect freedom of speech and at the same time protect the victims of malicious content.

Q. What kind of cooperation do you expect from the social media?

A. We expect their help in revealing the identity of those fuelling antinational sentiments.

Q. What about help from the US, where most of the sites are hosted?

A. The international community has to evolve mutually agreed rules. It’s a long road ahead.

Q. You have sought Twitter’s help in shutting down accounts that mimic the Prime Minister’s official @ PMOIndia handle.

A. Yes we have and they have not responded yet. It’s been over two months. I hope they do the needful.