New Delhi: In light of the persistent hoax bomb threats targeting airlines through global internet platforms, the Centre has directed social media intermediaries, including X headed by Elon Musk, and Meta, to ensure due diligence and promptly eliminate misinformation that poses a threat to public order and state security.

In an advisory, the IT Ministry stressed that these hoax bomb threats are primarily misinformation that significantly disrupts public order, airline operations and the safety of air travellers.

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Indian airlines have faced over 100 hoax bomb threats within a few days, leading to delays and emergency landings.

“Given the gravity of the situation, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology underscores that all intermediaries, including social media platforms, must make reasonable efforts to prevent the dissemination of such malicious acts, including hoax bomb threats, on their platforms,” stated the advisory.

The advisory further clarified that these intermediaries must fulfil their due diligence obligations, which involve the prompt removal or disabling of access to unlawful information, as outlined in the IT Rules, 2021. This includes hoax bomb threats, which must be addressed within the stringent timelines prescribed by the rules.

In addition to removing or disabling access to this misinformation, the intermediaries are also subject to additional liabilities under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). They are required to mandatorily report specific offences that may be committed by users of their platform, which includes any actions intended to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security or economic security of India.

In response to the rise in hoax bomb threats, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has expressed serious concerns, affirming the government’s commitment to taking strict action against those responsible for these malicious acts.

On Friday, more than 20 flights from various airlines reportedly received bomb threats.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reiterated, “Considering the serious nature of the situation, all intermediaries, including social media platforms, must make reasonable efforts to prevent the spread of such malicious acts, including hoax bomb threats.”

They must adhere to their due diligence obligations, ensuring the prompt removal or disabling of access to unlawful information as specified under the IT Rules, 2021, it added.
Agencies

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