Government Directs Social Media Platforms to Promptly Remove Flagged Disinformation

The Indian government has swiftly implemented a dual strategy to combat cyber warfare, disinformation, and fake news on social media platforms following its recent “Operation Sindoor,” according to sources familiar with the matter.

In a high-level meeting held Wednesday, government officials met with top executives from major social media companies to address the urgent need to control false information and propaganda being spread by foreign and other entities. Officials reportedly reminded the platforms of their obligations under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which grants the government authority to block public access to information under specific circumstances.

These circumstances include threats to India’s sovereignty and integrity, national defense, state security, foreign relations, public order, or prevention of incitement to cognizable offenses related to these concerns. The government has urged social media intermediaries to expedite their processes and proactively block and remove offensive content.

Sources indicate that platforms were specifically instructed to prevent delays in addressing disinformation campaigns targeting India’s security operations following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Government officials expressed particular concern about the phenomenon of multiple accounts and posts with identical content appearing immediately after flagged content is removed.

Social media companies were encouraged to take suo moto action—acting on their own initiative without formal complaints—to remove such content quickly. According to sources, the platforms largely agreed to respond promptly to the concerns raised during the meeting.

In a parallel effort, the government has established an inter-ministerial mechanism involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to identify and flag problematic content to social media companies. This coordinated approach aims to streamline the process of monitoring and reporting disinformation.

This mechanism was reportedly activated immediately following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and has already identified numerous posts spreading false information. Sources reveal that over one thousand posts and accounts were flagged to social media intermediaries in just the past week amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The government’s swift action highlights growing concerns about the weaponization of social media platforms during times of geopolitical tension. Disinformation campaigns can potentially inflame public sentiment, disrupt national security operations, and complicate diplomatic efforts during sensitive periods.

This development comes at a critical time in India-Pakistan relations, with heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack. Security experts have long warned about the role of coordinated disinformation campaigns in exacerbating regional conflicts and how false narratives can spread rapidly across borders through digital platforms.

The government’s approach reflects the evolving nature of national security concerns in the digital age, where information warfare has become as significant as traditional security threats. By engaging directly with social media companies and establishing dedicated monitoring mechanisms, officials aim to create a more responsive system to combat false information.

Industry analysts note that social media platforms face increasing pressure worldwide to address their role in the spread of disinformation, especially during crisis situations. The Indian government’s actions align with global trends toward greater regulation and oversight of digital content that may pose security risks.

The effectiveness of these measures will depend on continued cooperation between government agencies and technology companies, as well as the platforms’ ability to quickly identify and remove problematic content without impinging on legitimate freedom of expression.