Govt will have a soft-touch oversight mechanism: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Communications and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been in the thick of action, working on new rules on social and digital media as well as OTT platforms, tackling the challenge posed by Chinese apps and the security concerns around telecom equipment. His ministry has also been the spearhead for an effort to wean manufacturers of smartphones away from China. In an interview to TOI, he outlines the government’s strategy in these crucial areas. Excerpts:

Do you think that new guidelines will help the government?

The issue is not of use of social media, the issue is of abuse and misuse of social media. The guidelines focus on the user of social media. Do I have a forum for resolution of grievances or not? It is between the platform and users, you must have a grievance redressal officer, compliance officer, reporting officer. We, the government, are out of it — the government welcomes dissent, it welcomes criticism, including of the Prime Minister, ministers and government policies. Our government also appreciates the role of social media in empowering citizens.