Social Media, Government, and Civil Unrest in India

 

A BLOG BY

GAURAV RAJ BHAGAT
ADVOCATE
HIGH COURT

1. Current Affairs & Unrest

India has witnessed multiple instances of unrest where social media played a central role—ranging from farmers’ protests to student movements and political demonstrations. Platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook have become hubs for mobilization and amplifying voices. At the same time, misinformation has escalated tensions, compelling authorities to intervene. Recent events highlight how quickly online narratives can influence physical movements.

2. Social Media & Society

In India, social media has redefined public discourse. Youth movements, women’s rights campaigns, and environmental activism are increasingly led by digital mobilization. Viral hashtags such as #FarmersProtest or #CAAProtests show the power of collective digital action. However, this also raises the challenge of combating fake news, deepfakes, and propaganda. Society finds itself at the crossroads of empowerment and vulnerability.

3. Government & Policy

The Government of India has introduced multiple regulations on digital platforms, including the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules make platforms accountable for content moderation and require compliance officers in India. The government has also ordered temporary internet shutdowns in states like Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan to maintain law and order during unrest. These actions, however, are often contested as curbing digital freedom.

4. Media & Communication

Indian mainstream media still dominates in reach, but citizen journalism through YouTube, WhatsApp groups, and Twitter has taken precedence during crises. Social media amplifies marginalized voices that mainstream channels sometimes overlook. Influencers and independent journalists now challenge narratives put forth by government and big media houses, creating a more pluralistic but chaotic information ecosystem.

5. International Perspectives

India’s use of social media during unrest has drawn international scrutiny. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized internet shutdowns as violations of fundamental rights. Foreign media often compares India’s digital policies with those of other democracies, questioning whether restrictions align with free speech principles.

6. Analysis & Legal Judgments

The Indian judiciary has played a critical role in balancing social media freedom and government restrictions. Key judgments include:

• Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): The Supreme Court held that indefinite internet shutdowns are unconstitutional and violate Article 19 (freedom of speech).

• Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): Struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, which criminalized offensive online speech, affirming free expression.

• PUCL v. Union of India (1997): Established the right to privacy in communications, later reinforced in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).

These cases reflect how courts safeguard democratic principles while allowing reasonable restrictions.

7. Educational Resources

To empower citizens, it is crucial to provide resources on digital literacy. Indian fact-checking initiatives like AltNews and Boom Live actively debunk viral misinformation. Civil society organizations also conduct workshops on safe digital practices, helping youth identify fake news, understand algorithmic biases, and use secure communication tools.

Therefore, In India, the intersection of social media, government policy, and judiciary oversight creates a complex but fascinating landscape. While social platforms amplify democratic voices, they also pose risks of misinformation and unrest. Through legal frameworks, judicial scrutiny, and civil society engagement, India continues to navigate the delicate balance between freedom of expression and maintaining public order.