No question of blocking, censoring websites: govt

The government today said there is no question of blocking or censoring social networking and other websites hosting content but maintained that they should operate within the ambit of Indian laws and be accountable.

"Whether it's social media website company or any company for that matter, they all have to operate within the laws of the country. And what we have said is there must be responsible behaviour on both sides," Minister of State for Communications and IT, Sachin Pilot, told reporters here.

"There is no question of any censorship at all. There is no question of blocking or censorship," he added when asked about his reaction to proceedings in the Delhi High Court vis-a-vis such websites.

Asked if the government's stand has been vindicated by Delhi court, the minister said there is no separate government stand, adding, "We just want the laws to be followed".

Pilot pointed out that laws governing such websites have been made after discussion and interaction with such companies.

"It's just that when there is some material which is objected to...There must be a redressal system where individuals or groups of people can approach certain [concerned] company and say that the content is objectionable and the company must respond," he explained.

"Nothing that has been demanded of these companies is outside the ambit of our laws....," Pilot said.

He said the government propagated the issue of freedom of speech and airing of the views, whether negative or positive but added that the country today has more than 100 million internet users, which is bound to grow exponentially.

"So, as we grow, I think there must be some responsible behaviour by both sides," Pilot said. "...It's not a question of clamping down on any company or asking people to censor the content".