Union Minister calls for stricter laws to curb pornographic content on social media

New Delhi: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged the need for more stringent laws to tackle the proliferation of pornographic content on social media platforms.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during question hour, the Information and Broadcasting Minister emphasized that the Parliamentary Standing Committee should address the issue and work towards building a consensus for legislative action.

Highlighting the challenges posed by social media, Vaishnaw said that while these platforms have become a symbol of press freedom, they are increasingly being misused to circulate explicit content.

He noted that earlier, editorial inquiries played a role in assessing the accuracy and appropriateness of content, but such checks are no longer in place, leading to unregulated dissemination of harmful material.

The remarks came amid a discussion initiated by BJP MP Arun Govil, who questioned the effectiveness of current mechanisms in curbing the illegal circulation of pornographic content on social media. Govil asked whether the government plans to strengthen existing laws to address the misuse of these platforms.

Responding to the query, Vaishnaw acknowledged the shortcomings of current regulations and reiterated the necessity for a robust legal framework to counter the growing menace.