Social media content takedown orders need to come via proper legal notices: IAMAI

New Delhi: Although social media companies are acting against spreading misinformation and fake news, any request to remove content needs to come via proper legal notice, industry body IAMAI said on Tuesday. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), whose members include Facebook, Google, Tiktok, Sharechat etc said that social media platforms do not create content but onus of creating misinformation lies with their users.

“While the platforms have taken positive steps to restrict the spread of fake news, any form of the takedown of content will still have to come via proper legal notices as determined by existing legal provisions. The platforms on their part are often actively engaging with such relevant authorities to facilitate a more co-operative mechanism in this regard,” the IAMAI said in a statement.