Centre asks social media platforms to remove video showing sexual assault of Manipur women

The Centre on Thursday asked social media platforms, including Twitter, to remove a video showing two Kuki women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur, reported The Indian Express.

An unidentified government official told The Indian Express that since the content of the video was inflammatory, it could further disrupt law and order situation in the northeastern state,

Under Section 69 (A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Central government has the authority to direct social media platforms to takedown content.

The blocking orders under section 69A are issued in “the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to the above.”

The Centre on Wednesday night had also issued a non-compliance order to Twitter after the video was widely shared on the social media platform, according to NDTV. A day later, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology warned social media platforms about compliance with new Information and Technology rules, reported NDTV.

The Centre warned Twitter that circulation of videos that could lead to problems in law and order are not permitted.

According to the 2021 amendment to the IT Rules, social media intermediaries have to send reminders to users not...

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