Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for stricter laws to regulate objectionable content on social media, emphasizing the need to address cultural differences between India and the countries where these platforms originate. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, Vaishnaw urged the Opposition to join discussions on the matter, advocating for parliamentary intervention and the creation of stringent regulations.

“I hope the Opposition can come on board to discuss this issue. The Standing Committee of Parliament should take it up, ensuring strict laws are enacted,” Vaishnaw said.

Actor Arun Govil, known for his portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, echoed Vaishnaw’s concerns. Govil highlighted the prevalence of content that contradicts Indian cultural values, calling for regulatory oversight to monitor and manage such material. “There is a need for a watchdog to oversee the kind of content being shared on social media platforms. With the rise of private players, unregulated content is misleading young people,” he said.

The government has emphasized greater accountability from social media platforms, including appointing grievance officers, setting up user complaint mechanisms, and submitting transparency reports on harmful content moderation. It has also urged platforms to adopt self-regulatory measures to balance free speech with responsible content governance.

Earlier, Vaishnaw outlined four major challenges facing the news media: fake news, algorithmic bias, artificial intelligence, and fair compensation from Big Tech. He warned against algorithms that amplify divisive or sensational content, calling for solutions that prioritize ethical considerations.

“The rapid spread of fake news undermines trust in media and poses a significant threat to democracy,” Vaishnaw stated, stressing the need for greater accountability and fairness in digital platforms.