Government takes measures to prevent fraud involving fake news, misleading advertisements, fake products on online platforms

The authorities of India has announced cardinal initiatives to forestall fraud involving fake news, misleading advertisements, and fake products connected online platforms. In a caller property release, the authorities emphasises the request for a safe, reliable, and unfastened internet.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has implemented the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, nether the Information Technology Act, 2000. These rules prohibit the uploading, publishing, oregon sharing of accusation connected immoderate level that violates the law. According to the IT Rules, 2021, platforms that neglect to comply volition suffer the immunity provided nether Section 79 of the IT Act, making them accountable for third-party content.

Ban connected Misleading Advertisements
On March 6, 2024, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued an advisory banning advertisements that beforehand amerciable activities. The advisory specifically prohibits the advertisement, promotion, and endorsement of specified activities successful usurpation of assorted laws.

Stricter Regulations connected Online Betting Platforms
On March 21, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued an advisory to media outlets, including societal media platforms, prohibiting the work and broadcast of online betting advertisements. Media intermediaries were besides advised against displaying specified ads to Indian audiences.

Consumer Complaint Resolution
To safeguard user rights, the Department of Consumer Affairs has established a three-tier judicial strategy nether the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with forums astatine the district, state, and nationalist levels. These forums supply accelerated and accessible solutions for user complaints.

Under the IT Rules, 2021, each intermediary indispensable name a Grievance Officer to grip user complaints successful a timely manner. If a user is dissatisfied with the resolution, they whitethorn entreaty to the Grievance Appellate Committee wrong 30 days.

Consumer Protection successful E-Commerce
In 2020, the Department of Consumer Affairs besides introduced the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, which purpose to support consumers from fraud and unfair concern practices successful e-commerce. These rules marque e-commerce platforms liable for addressing user complaints.

Cybercrime and Security
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to tackle cybercrimes and amended coordination among instrumentality enforcement agencies. Additionally, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched to let individuals to study cybercrimes.

Through these efforts, the authorities aims to fortify user protection, heighten online security, and guarantee a safer integer situation for all.