Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated on Saturday, July 20, 2024, that a forthcoming social media law in India would mandate the deletion of any online post critical of the Prime Minister within a three-hour timeframe. Mr. Kejriwal conveyed this claim during a public address, expressing concerns about its potential implications for online discourse and freedom of expression within the country.

According to Mr. Kejriwal, the alleged new legislation would empower authorities to compel social media platforms to remove content deemed critical of the Prime Minister within the specified duration. He suggested that non-compliance could lead to severe penalties for the platforms and potentially individuals. While Mr. Kejriwal did not specify the official name of the purported law, his comments have ignited discussion regarding the future of digital content regulation in India and the balance between online speech and governmental oversight.

The statement by the Chief Minister comes amid ongoing global and national debates surrounding the regulation of digital content and the responsibilities of social media companies. Governments worldwide are grappling with issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and national security online, leading to various legislative attempts to manage digital spaces. India, with its vast internet user base, has been actively exploring different frameworks for digital governance.

Key aspects of the claim made by Chief Minister Kejriwal include:

  • Mandatory Deletion: Posts critical of the Prime Minister would be subject to removal.
  • Three-Hour Window: Social media platforms would be required to delete such content within three hours of receiving a directive.
  • Potential Penalties: Non-compliance could result in punitive measures for platforms and content creators.
  • Impact on Dissent: Concerns were raised regarding the potential for this law to stifle critical commentary and political dissent online.

The Indian government has previously introduced and implemented regulations concerning social media intermediaries, most notably the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules outline due diligence requirements for intermediaries, including grievance redressal mechanisms and the removal of certain unlawful content. However, Mr. Kejriwal's recent remarks introduce a new specific claim regarding the timeline and scope of content removal related to the Prime Minister.

The precise details and official status of the "new social media law" as described by Mr. Kejriwal remain to be clarified by central government authorities. His statement has, however, brought renewed attention to the broader discourse on digital rights, censorship, and the role of technology platforms in shaping public opinion in India. Observers anticipate further discussion and potential responses from the central government and other political stakeholders regarding the Chief Minister’s assertions and the evolving landscape of online content regulation.