New Delhi: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has initiated action against 160 TV channels, while 60 channels on various social media platform including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages have been blocked.
The action has been taken saying that the contents on these platforms compromised the integrity and safety of the nation.
“We wish to inform you that we have initiated 160 cases against TV channels,” Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan informed the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour.
He further told that the government was concerned about the freedom of speech and expression. The response came while answering a question by an MP of the opposition who said that the MIB was misusing the law to curb freedom of speech and expression.
When asked about the action against the MediaOne channel, he said, “We are not doing anything on MediaOne. Whatever permissions to channels are being given (are) after the home ministry gives security clearance. MediaOne matter is sub-judice also”.
For the unversed, the ministry has has cancelled Malayalam news channel MediaOne’s licence due to national security reasons. Though, the Kerala High Court has ordered an interim stay on the licence cancellation.
“Within two months, our government initiated action against 60 channels whose content was against the nation and against the integrity and safety of the nation. We cannot tolerate it. We blocked 60 channels, including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts as they disturbed the nation’s peace and security. We are concerned about the freedom of speech and freedom of expression”, L Murugan told the Rajya Sabha.
