The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a new social media policy aimed at tightening the regulation of content on platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. The policy introduces stringent guidelines to tackle objectionable material posted online and sets out legal measures for offenders.

Stricter Penalties for Anti-National Content

Under the new policy, posting anti-national content is considered a serious crime, with punishments ranging from three years’ imprisonment to life in prison. Previously, such acts were dealt with under Sections 66E and 66F of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which cover privacy violations and cyberterrorism.

Criminal Defamation for Obscene or Defamatory Posts

The policy also addresses the dissemination of obscene or defamatory material. Those found guilty of posting such content may face criminal defamation charges, demonstrating the government’s intent to curb the misuse of social media.

Digital Agency ‘V-Form’ to Oversee Social Media Advertisements

The government has enlisted the services of a digital agency called ‘V-Form’ to manage advertisements across various platforms. The agency will be responsible for promoting videos, tweets, posts, and reels to ensure adherence to the policy.

Payment Set for Social Media Influencers

The policy introduces monthly payment caps for influencers and content creators on different platforms. On X, Facebook, and Instagram, the payment limits are set at Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively. For YouTube, the limits for videos, shorts, podcasts, and reels are Rs 8 lakh, Rs 7 lakh, Rs 6 lakh, and Rs 4 lakh.