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India’s IT Minister Calls for Proactive Child Safety and Transparent Algorithms on Social Media

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India’s IT Minister Calls for Proactive Child Safety and Transparent Algorithms on Social Media
Photo: Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw addresses the launch of the Semicon 2.0 web application portal and announcement of approved applicants under ECMS, in New Delhi on November 6, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

On Friday, November 6, 2026, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged social media platforms to take responsibility for content and to implement measures that protect children, women, and citizens from online harms such as digital arrest scams. He said the internet landscape has changed and that platforms must proactively safeguard society. Vaishnaw also stressed the need for citizens to have an effective voice on these platforms. Currently, he noted, if harmful content appears, citizens can only seek relief through courts or police. He called for a robust mechanism that allows people to address grievances directly. The remarks were made while he was serving as Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Published – November 06, 2026 05:26 pm IST

Frequently asked questions

What did IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw call for regarding social media platforms?

He urged platforms to take responsibility for content and implement measures to protect children, women, and citizens from online harms such as digital arrest scams, and to have transparent algorithms.

How can citizens currently seek relief for harmful content on social media?

Citizens can only seek relief through courts or police.

What role does Ashwini Vaishnaw hold when he made these remarks?

He was serving as Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

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