Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the minister of state for electronics and information technology (MeitY), allegedly remarked on Wednesday that social media intermediaries had serious obligations and responsibilities under Indian law, and that failing to exercise due diligence could have repercussions. The comments were made in reference to the vicious internet harassment that Indian batsman Arshdeep Singh had to endure after India's five-wicket loss to Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup.
MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar reportedly stated that all social media intermediaries must fulfil their obligations. He stated that intermediaries have a duty of care to monitor anything posted on their platforms in response to the online targeting of Indian cricketer Arshdeep Singh.
He reportedly said to ANI, "We do not necessarily want to intimidate, we do not want any intermediary to feel uncomfortable working in India, but we certainly want to remind them that they have a real role and responsibility under the Indian laws."
Arshdeep Singh, a young Indian bowler, is currently under criticism for failing to hold onto a critical catch during Sunday's Super 4 Asia Cup cricket match against Pakistan at the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.
After the incident, the cricketer's Wikipedia page was vandalised and he received a tonne of online abuse. The word "Khalistani" was added to his Wikipedia entry.
The minister criticised the action on Monday, tweeting that it went against the government's expectations for a secure and reliable internet.
