Govt. Of India Allows Persecution Of Internet Giants: Freedom Of Speech At Stake?

Our Indian government on Friday officially sanctioned orders for prosecuting 21 companies including Google and Facebook in a case over offensive content after a judge warned websites may be blocked “like in China.” In a case filed by a private petitioner seeking to remove images considered offensive to religious sentiments of Hindus, Muslims and Christians from websites, has gained wide momentum & publicity. It’s because of this case “ The government of India…finds it appropriate to grant sanction…to proceed against the accused persons in the aforesaid complaint in national harmony, integration and national interest ” revealed a court document. However the document also stated that they did not wish to go the extreme of blocking such websites, yet. Interestingly, the heads of these Internet giants could be issued “Summons” to appear in court. The court likened the matter to contraband when High Court Justice Suresh Kait told lawyers from Indian branches of Facebook and Google, “ If a contraband is found in your house, it (is) your liability to take action against it,” Is the Freedom of Speech really at stake here? Though it’s not always that easy to answer this question, we feel, at this juncture, the Govt. might be right in doing so. Our Indian law clearly states that companies are responsible for user content posted on their websites & requires them to take it down within 36 hours in case of a complaint. Though the time-limit seems to be too small, action against offensive matter is necessary. However, taking down the whole website just for the sake of a small amount of matter is totally uncalled for . While Kapil Sibal, might be joyous , Social Networking hungry people of India could be on Tenterhooks . After all, this is where we get to interact , get daily dose of, well, Socializing & do some job-hunting on the side!. Do you think Government is right in penalizing the sites for content on their websites? Looking For A Social Media Agency?? – Contact WATConsult – India’s Leading Social Media Agency Related Posts Scrabulous Gets Wiped off Facebook Social Gaming Company PlayUp Comes To India: New Avenue For Gamers? “Facebook” Is The Top Keyword Of 2011: Social Networking The King? ComScore Shows That Google+ Is Growing Slowly And Steadily Search & Social Networking The Top Two Uses Of Mobile Internet, Reports Opera Mini 2011

[via WATBlog.com - Web, Advertising and Technology Blog in India]