Social media being misused for spreading fake news, inciting violence: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Minister for Law and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad said the issue of fake news is a worry, and added that there are "serious parliamentary concerns" about internet being abused for child pornography. He also asserted that identification of the originator of messages was still a problem with regard to WhatsApp.

The government on Thursday expressed serious concern over "public platforms" like YouTube, Google, WhatsApp and others being abused for revenge porn, fake news and content designed to incite violence and cautioned that while digital world cannot be caged, players have to be accountable and responsible.

"I am a great supporter of creativity and freedom but there are also social obligations. But the digital world has to be responsible, accountable and most importantly sensitive. For the sake of earning money, is it right to show what we are showing - this question has to be asked," said Ravi Shankar Prasad at an IAMAI event.

Stating that India is emerging as a large digital powerhouse that will yield golden opportunities, he asked companies not to allow their platforms to be abused.

Terming digital universe a "pious and pure world" and one that was empowering, he however noted that issues such as fake news was a "problem".

The minister said that he had even brought the issue of abuse of YouTube to the notice of Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet).

"I told Pichai also, when you go to YouTube there are many positive narratives like old songs, speeches, enlightening digital material available...but see some of the other parts...the way YouTube is being abused," he said.

YouTube, Google, mobile or other related platforms are "public platforms" that are being misused for porn, fake news, or content designed to provoke violence and flare communal tensions, he noted.

On WhatsApp he said there is still a problem in identifying the originator of a rogue message

"I am appealing to all of you, it is time for you to enjoy the success of Digital India, it will create a golden opportunity for you but also be responsible and accountable," said Prasad addressing India Digital Summit.