DoT Plans To Pitch ‘Morality’ On Social Media

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has taken up the issue of morality on social media as part of its proposed action plan for Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi.

“Focus on national security, public safety, morality, privacy and disaster management are in the framework,” according to a DoT presentation, which was shown to the Cabinet secretary.

A senior DoT official said it was on the lines of what Kapil Sibal had suggested earlier – the screening of social media. Sibal was heavily criticised for his suggestion.

“There is so much objectionable content on social media websites, which does not go down well with the common people. Morality largely has to do with that,” the official said.

He, however, said this was not the final PPT that will be sent to the new government.

DoT has also suggested abolishing archaic laws such as the Telegraph Act 1885 and replacing it with a consolidated Communications Act. It also suggested minimising regulatory burden to facilitate rapid growth.

As per reports, the country is already working on a policy on telecom security, which will maintain a balance between a common man’s right to privacy and the requirements of security agencies.