Expect large social media platforms to behave responsibly, says IT Secy

Amid concerns over rumours and false information circulated on popular platforms, the government today said it expects large social media firms like WhatsApp as also others to behave responsibly and take steps to ensure that users have full confidence in them.

WhatsApp has been under fire over rampant abuse of its platform for circulation of fake news, which has incited mob fury leading to lynching incidents in various parts of the country.

Such is the level of alarm among policymakers that the telecom department has sought views of the industry on technical measures that can be adopted for blocking mobile apps like instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram in situations where national security and public order are under threat.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Trai conference here, IT Secretary Ajay P Sawhney said: "We expect all platforms to behave in a responsible manner especially those platforms with large user base."