MeitY advisory directs social media platforms to curb hoax bomb threats against airlines
On 26 October 2024, in India, the Ministry of Electronics and IT issued an advisory directing intermediaries, including social media platforms, to curb hoax bomb threats against airlines, warning that non-compliance would revoke their protection under section 79 of the IT Act, 2000.
Summary
On 26 October 2024, in India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory on the responsibility of intermediaries, including social media platforms, to curb the spread of hoax bomb threats against airlines operating in India. It called for strict observance of due diligence under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021, and said non-compliance would revoke protection under section 79 of the Act and could invite action under any law. Under the IT Rules, 2021, platforms must assist authorised government agencies in investigations and cybersecurity in a timely manner, but not later than 72 hours.
Key facts
- Date
- 26 Oct 2024
- Issued by
- MeitY
- Issue
- Hoax bomb threats to airlines
- Law
- IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules, 2021
- Consequence
- Loss of safe-harbour protection under section 79
- Assistance to agencies
- Timely, not later than 72 hours
Practice MCQs 2 questions
MeitY's advisory of 26 October 2024 on hoax bomb threats warned that intermediaries failing in due diligence would lose protection under which section of the IT Act, 2000?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 79
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: non-compliance with due diligence requirements shall revoke protection under section 79 and may invite consequential action under any law.
As restated in MeitY's advisory of 26 October 2024, social media platforms must assist authorised government agencies in investigations under the IT Rules, 2021 in a timely manner, but not later than:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 72 hours
PIB, 26 Oct 2024: social media platforms are obligated under IT Rules, 2021 to timely assist authorised government agencies in investigations and cybersecurity, but not later than 72 hours.