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The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced significant changes to the state’s social media policy, aimed at tightening regulations on digital content while offering substantial incentives for influencers.
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced significant changes to the state’s social media policy, aimed at tightening regulations on digital content while offering substantial incentives for influencers.
The newly approved Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, received the green light from the state cabinet and will apply across major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
Under the new policy, posting content deemed anti-national is now classified as a severe offence, punishable by stringent penalties ranging from three years of imprisonment to a life term. Previously, such actions were dealt with under Sections 66E and 66F of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which cover privacy violations and cyberterrorism, respectively. The updated policy reflects a tougher stance on the misuse of digital platforms to ensure national security.
The policy also addresses the dissemination of obscene or defamatory material, which can lead to criminal defamation charges. This move underscores the legal risks associated with posting objectionable content online, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining decorum in the digital space.
To streamline digital content and advertising, the government has appointed ‘V-Form’ as the designated digital agency responsible for managing advertisements. This agency will oversee the showcasing of videos, tweets, posts, and reels, providing a structured approach to content dissemination on social media platforms.
The policy outlines specific payment limits for influencers and social media account operators, offering lucrative opportunities for those in the digital media space. The maximum monthly payment caps are set at Rs 5 lakh for X, Rs 4 lakh for Facebook, and Rs 3 lakh for Instagram. On YouTube, the payment limits are even higher, with Rs 8 lakh for videos, Rs 7 lakh for shorts, and Rs 6 lakh for podcasts.
These measures are seen as a dual approach to both incentivise positive content creation and regulate the online space effectively.
UP Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar commented on the policy, stating, “The Cabinet gave its approval, and any use of social media platforms against the nation should indeed be dealt with strictly. This policy not only addresses concerns regarding anti-national content but also provides a solution to the problem of unemployment by offering good opportunities for those involved in social media and digital media to connect with this initiative.”
