THE EMERGING NEED TO CONTROL FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN REGARDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE EMERGING NEED TO CONTROL FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN REGARDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Vanshika Agrawal & Umika Kapoor

ABSTRACT

The Internet swept the information age for a few decades.  It has now become embedded in the lives of many people. The Internet has revolutionized the way people exchange knowledge and interact. Social networking is now one of the most widely used platforms. Computer-mediated communication is a common mode of communication. It has reduced the planet to a global village. Information overload has become the standard as people share information from all corners of the globe. In the majority of countries, the government has some power over what kind of details individual shares. If used in the right way, media can transform the lives of the individual as social media has changed the way we communicate, consume, or share information. As a result, through this we have acquired more knowledge and widened the mindsets of the people; otherwise, it may harm society. Thus, an emerging need to regulate and govern the use of social media platforms arises. Proper social media regulation that does not compromise on the fundamental rights granted by the Indian Constitution is required. Yet, complete freedom should not be permitted; rather, a medium ground of control rather than censorship should be sought. There is a razor-thin border between enjoying one's right and infringing on the rights of others. Using one's right to free speech and expression on social media might result in a violation of one's privacy. In view of the foregoing assertions, the Indian government should protect the right to free expression and expression, as well as the right to privacy. It is now one of the most popular forums for expressing oneself, and it should be respected.

Keywords- Social Media, Fundamental rights, human rights, information technology.