Parliament flags circulation of obscene content via Telegram, WhatsApp – Storyboard18

The government on Tuesday cited existing legal and regulatory provisions after concerns were raised in Parliament over the illegal circulation and sale of pornographic material through Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups and other encrypted mobile applications. Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada said the policies of the government are aimed at ensuring an open, safe, trusted and accountable internet, particularly to prevent violence against women and exploitation of minors. IT Act and IT Rules Framework The minister referred to the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 as the primary framework to deal with unlawful and harmful online content. Under the IT Act, publishing or transmitting obscene or sexually explicit content is punishable under Sections 67, 67A and 67B. The Act also empowers police to investigate offences under Sections 78 and 80. The IT Rules, 2021 require intermediaries to exercise due diligence and prohibit hosting or transmitting content that is obscene, pornographic, harmful to children, invasive of privacy or otherwise unlawful. Key provisions include: Removal of non-consensual intimate imagery within 24 hours Resolution of grievances within 72 hours Appointment of
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