The government is asking social media platforms to remove misinformation, asking for information about the users who made the posts

Following a spate of fake bomb threats targeting Indian airlines in recent weeks, mostly through anonymous social media accounts, the IT ministry has urged platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X to immediately block access to such disinformation content. The ministry emphasized that neglecting this responsibility could jeopardize the legal protection of these companies against the posting of third-party materials.

In an advisory to social media companies, the ministry said: “Social media providers must make reasonable efforts to prevent such malicious activities, including false bomb threats, from being disseminated on their platforms.”

Hoax bomb threats to airlines: Government issues advice to social media platforms to remove misinformation

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 26, 2024

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The ministry is asking for details of fake posts and users

The ministry has also asked these companies to provide information about such posts and users to the government within 72 hours under the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021. Additionally, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, these companies are required to report specific offenses committed by users that may pose a threat to India’s national security and economic interests.

The consultation states: “The IT Regulations 2021 require intermediaries to provide information under their control or possession, or to assist public authorities… for the purpose of verifying an identity or for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of offences. under any applicable law for the time being or in relation to cyber security incidents, within the prescribed time limits (as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours)”.

It added: “Over the past few days, various airlines operating in India have received numerous bomb threats through various channels, including through social media. Airline travelers and security services are suffering because of such false bomb threats that are disrupting the normal course of airline operations.”

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In the past 11 days, Indian airlines including Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have reported more than 250 bomb threats coming from anonymous social media accounts. In response, these airlines expressed government concerns about the source of these threats. Although most such threats are ultimately found to be hoaxes, both airlines and global aviation authorities take them very seriously.

If the threat is acted upon, enhanced security checks after landing could last for several hours, leading to significant disruptions, including delays and possible rescheduling of subsequent flights, with financial implications for airlines.

In addition, government agencies are reportedly working with social media platforms and virtual private network (VPN) providers to identify and apprehend those responsible for these threats.