COAI opposes government plan to regulate internet platforms

MUMBAI: Bharti AirtelNSE -3.32 % and Vodafone Idea, represented by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have opposed the government’s proposed amendments to the intermediary guidelines and to regulate internet platforms in order to curb fake news, terming them “vague” and ones which can violate the privacy of users.

The stance of India’s two older telcos was in sharp contrast to that of rival RelianceNSE -1.60 % Jio, which had defended the government saying it should ignore such protests. It had also said that platforms should not be allowed to become conduits of unlawful activities that incite hatred and spark terrorism and extremism.

But COAI, an industry association of mobile service providers, said the proposed changes “could be detrimental to citizens, democracy and free speech”.