Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem has urged the government to establish a broadcasting code of ethics to control and reduce the spread of false information by Youtubers.
Raising a zero hour notice in the Assembly today, Syiem said there is unregulated mushrooming of Youtubers in the State. He cited the recent incident of how Chairman of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, BB Makdoh from Nongpoh was subjected to false news that has tarnished his image. He said the Youtube channel named ‘Hynniewtrep TV’ was owned and operated by one Fernando Diengdoh of Kynshi village was involved in defaming the traditional head and an FIR.
“I am not pointing fingers at anybody, but it is sad to see that nowadays few have crossed all decency of public decorum,” Syiem said.
Stating that Makdoh has already been a victim, he said tomorrow anyone from the house can also fall a victim to some malafide intentions. “Those YouTube channels with malafide intentions publish news and information without proper verification driven by a solo motive of gaining viewership for monetary gains,” he said adding that dissemination of fake news is a serious threat.
The Nongpoh legislator said, “To address the issue, the State government should consider implementing a Broadcasting code of ethics”. According to him, such a code could empower the government to regulate and mitigate the dissemination of false information.
He also suggested that only those empanelled with the DIPR should be allowed to cover the government programmes and not random Youtubers.
In another suggestion, he asked the Youtubers to concentrate more on entertainment than news distribution.
The Nongpoh legislator also highlighted how the central government in 2021, notified the information technology guidelines and digital media ethic code for content take down and prescribed standard for what digital publisher can post in the internet.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the person who created and uploaded the news about Makdoh in YouTube was summoned to Nongpoh police station and his statement recorded.
He said that social media is an integral part of daily life and while benefits are plentiful there are many drawbacks that needs to be checked.
On steps initiated by the government, he said that a cyber crime wing has been set up to monitor, investigate cyber or interrelated crimes.
He informed since 2019-24, 42 cases have been registered, 20 training programmes conducted and 55 awareness programme held.
The Chief Minister asked the content creator to verify or fact check before uploading any content and ensure that the content is reliable, thereby promoting a culture of responsible content creation.
He also said that he has noted the suggestions and points raised to implement and bring in framework to monitor content in social media in more efficient manner.
