Govt to control anonymous trolls on social media via mobile, Aadhaar or Passport linkage

At a time when social media platforms like Twitter have been asked to keep an eye on their content, the incidents of bullies on these platforms are on an all-time high.

The bullies, also known as trolls on the social networking sites, conceal their identity behind the anonymity to post denigratory comments and fake posts on these platforms.

The government, to identify these bullies and curb trolls on social media platforms, through mandatory verification of accounts by linking them to mobile phone numbers or official identities like Aadhaar or Passport.

There is a need for a mandatory verification as the trolls remain anonymous on social platforms and do things without fear, an ET report quoted govt's official as saying. The government wants to balance the need to uphold privacy and curb the negative things over the internet.

Mandatory verification will help check unacceptable behaviour and needless trolling, the official added.There will be guidelines in place, that govt plans to issue in a couple of months.In the case of cybercrime or complaints, the law enforcing authorities will seek account details.

The guidelines will seek to tighten accountability rules for social media apps.Last month, the ministry of information technology had served notice to the micro blogging site Twitter and asked to comply with the provisions under the Indian IT Act.

In case of failure, the company’s top executives will face action under Section 69A of the IT Act.The IT Act allows the govt to block content or accounts which carry information that is seen as detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Any internet platforms, who fails to comply with the direction “shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine, added the Act.The govt seek complete compliance from the micro-blogging site.

IT and Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had also warned of strict action against any social networking sites or internet firms to be used for spreading fake news and other kinds of misinformation.Twitter is yet to respond on following mandatory verification process.

At present, Twitter allows opening of an account with a mobile phone number or an email ID. Though, it is not a full proof mechanism against fake email IDs.