Srinagar, Sep 30: KNT: Calls for regulating social media and digital news platforms triggered a debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, with members seeking greater accountability for misleading content while PDP MLA Waheed Para cautioning the government against any move that could restrict freedom of expression.
The issue came up during the concluding day of the Assembly session against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding National Conference MLA Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, who had last week objected to a social media video depicting him inside the House. Kaloo had told the Assembly that the substance shown in the video was chewing gum and not the tobacco product “Nevla” as claimed in its circulation on social media. He had sought the Speaker’s intervention over what he described as misleading coverage.
The controversy subsequently fed into a wider discussion on the functioning of social media-based news platforms and the need for a mechanism to deal with misinformation and content that members alleged could damage the reputation of elected representatives.
National Conference MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat also proposed legislation providing for registration, recognition and accreditation of digital news publishers and social media news channels operating in or from Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed framework includes provisions relating to ownership transparency, editorial responsibility, fact-checking, accreditation and grievance redressal.
During Wednesday’s discussion, members including Bhat and NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi sought regulatory measures for social media platforms and digital news outlets, stressing the need to address misleading and unverified content.
Para, however, opposed any approach that could result in restrictions on the media or social media, arguing that democratic institutions require an open press and greater transparency.
“Democracy dies in darkness,” Para said, recalling the communication shutdown imposed on August 5 and asserting that social media had served as a lifeline for people during that period by keeping them connected with one another and the outside world.
“We need more transparency, more media and more freedom of expression, not more censorship,” he said, urging the government not to “gag the press” or “silence social media”.
Para said democratic institutions were strengthened through scrutiny and the presence of diverse voices, and maintained that the fight for a free press must extend to digital platforms as well. [KNT]
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