SC asks govt. to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media , Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to formulate guidelines to regulate conduct on social media, including podcasts.
• The court's directive aims to balance free speech with the right of all communities to live with dignity, addressing concerns about hurtful content.
• The case involves comedians accused of making insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities, raising questions about the limits of free speech.
• The Attorney-General stated that the guidelines' primary objective would be to sensitize social media users, with consequences for violations.

Detailed Insights:

• The court observed that social media influencers commercialize free speech, which can potentially hurt the sentiments of diverse sections of society.
• The guidelines should differentiate between free speech and hurtful speech, ensuring that violations lead to proportionate consequences.
• The court emphasized the importance of bringing persons with disabilities into the mainstream and preventing insensitive jokes that undermine this objective.
• The court suggested that social media influencers could act as ambassadors to spread awareness and sensitivity, offering a constructive approach to address the issue.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Free Speech: The right to express opinions without censorship, balanced against societal well-being.
• Social Media Influencers: Individuals with a significant online presence who can impact public opinion.
• Commercial Speech: Expression intended to generate revenue, subject to certain regulations.