Context
The issue has come into focus after the Delhi High Court sought a response from the Union government on whether social media platform X Corp. should be mandated to join the Sahyog portal, particularly in matters involving human trafficking, child exploitation, and national security concerns.
About Sahyog Portal
- The Sahyog Portal is an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to improve coordination between government authorities and social media platforms, aiming to create a safer online environment.
- It provides a structured system to simplify compliance by enabling quicker reporting and takedown of unlawful or harmful digital content.
- The platform also supports law enforcement agencies in sending and managing data requests under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- By bringing together authorised agencies, such as police departments, and online intermediaries on a single interface, it helps ensure faster and more efficient action against illegal online activities.
Relevant Sections of the Information Technology Act
- Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 allows the Central Government to restrict public access to online content in certain situations, particularly when it is necessary to safeguard national security, sovereignty, or public order.
- Section 79 provides “safe harbour” protection to online intermediaries, meaning they are generally not held legally responsible for content posted by users, as long as they act as neutral platforms.
- However, under Section 79(3)(b), this protection can be withdrawn if intermediaries do not promptly respond to official notices or fail to remove or disable access to unlawful content when required.
