Today, On 18th July, In the X Corp case, the Centre told the Karnataka High Court that “chilling effect is not a one and all solution” under Article 19(1)(a), defending evolving restrictions on free speech in the digital age.
Justice PB Suresh Kumar of the Kerala High Court, in his farewell speech, advocated for new legislation to regulate social media, emphasizing that unverified posts undermine public trust in the judiciary. He highlighted the importance of balancing free speech with the integrity of the judiciary while also recognizing the role of technology in enhancing justice efficiency.
The Delhi High Court has requested responses from the Lieutenant Governor and Central Government regarding a petition that challenges an order empowering police to issue takedown notices for online content. The case raises concerns about potential misuse and violations of free speech. The next hearing is scheduled for September 17.
Following India’s airstrikes in ‘Operation Sindoor’, social media, particularly X, was inundated with misinformation. In response, the Indian government ordered the blocking of over 8,000 accounts, including international news outlets. X criticized this censorship while complying with the orders for legal protection. Misinformation about the strikes, including fake visuals, was widespread, prompting government action against false narratives.
Gujarat: The Gujarat High Court has taken suo-motu (on its own) notice of a shocking incident in Dahod district, where a tribal woman was reportedly disrobed, paraded, and dragged by a motorcycle. The incident, which occurred on January 28, has sparked outrage, especially after videos of the incident were widely circulated on social media.
Today, On 14th November, the Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking to ban WhatsApp for non-compliance with new IT Rules. The petition, which raised security concerns and questioned the app’s encryption, was rejected by the Court, allowing WhatsApp to continue its operations despite claims of potential risks and misinformation.