Parliamentary Panel Flags Social Media Threats to National Security

A parliamentary committee has raised alarms over certain social media influencers and platforms allegedly acting against national interests following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has formally requested detailed action plans from the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology. The ministries have been directed to submit their responses by May 8.

The committee's concerns stem from the belief that some online entities may be disseminating content that undermines national unity and incites unrest. This scrutiny comes in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, where militants targeted tourists in the Baisaran meadow, leading to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, has prompted a comprehensive security response, including intensified military operations and diplomatic engagements. In this context, the role of social media in shaping public perception and potentially exacerbating tensions has come under the spotlight.

The committee's directive underscores the government's intent to monitor and regulate digital platforms to prevent the spread of content deemed detrimental to national security. While specific influencers or platforms have not been named, the emphasis is on ensuring that online discourse does not contribute to societal discord or compromise the country's interests.