New Delhi: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday urged digital platforms to assume greater responsibility for the content they host and to ensure the online safety of children and citizens. He said the nature of the internet has evolved, and platforms can no longer consider themselves mere intermediaries but must act as accountable stakeholders in society.
Speaking at a conclave organised by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) in the national capital, the minister stressed the need to reinforce trust in institutions. He observed that societies have built institutional frameworks over thousands of years and warned that content undermining public trust must be treated with seriousness.
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Vaishnaw said platforms must take clear responsibility for the material hosted on their services. “The online safety of children and the online safety of all citizens is the responsibility of the platforms. If these principles are not adhered to, they will be held accountable, especially as the character of the internet has changed,” he said.
Raising concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, the minister highlighted the growing challenge posed by deepfake and synthetic content. He said creating content using a person’s face, voice, or personality without consent should not be acceptable. “Synthetic content should not be generated without the consent of the individual whose identity has been used. The time has come for a significant policy shift,” he said.
He appealed to digital platforms to cooperate with society’s expectations and align their policies with fundamental social values. His remarks come amid rising concerns over manipulated videos and AI-generated misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
The DNPA, which represents the digital arms of 22 media organisations, has in recent years advocated fairness and a level playing field for news publishers in the digital ecosystem. Vaishnaw reiterated that the government has already made it clear to platforms that their services must not be used for unlawful activities or for spreading content that incites crime.
Emphasising the importance of intellectual property rights, the minister described them as the backbone of societal progress. He said original creators must receive fair compensation and recognition for their work. “The incentive for creating original work and receiving fair compensation must be respected. Platforms should reconsider their revenue-sharing policies,” he said.
Vaishnaw indicated that if voluntary reforms are not undertaken, regulatory or legal measures similar to those adopted in other countries could be explored. Several jurisdictions globally have introduced laws to ensure digital platforms share revenue more equitably with content creators and publishers.
With India’s digital ecosystem expanding rapidly and internet penetration continuing to rise, the minister’s remarks underline the government’s stance that technological innovation must be balanced with accountability and transparency.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
