Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called on digital platforms to take greater responsibility for the content they host and to ensure fair revenue sharing with creators and news publishers.
Speaking at a media industry event, Vaishnaw said online platforms are no longer just technology intermediaries. With millions relying on them for news, entertainment and information, they function like media organisations and should accept similar levels of accountability.
He stressed that journalists, content creators and publishers generate the material that attracts users and advertising revenue. However, many of them do not receive a fair share of the income earned from their work. Vaishnaw said platforms must adopt transparent and equitable revenue-sharing models to support a healthy digital ecosystem.
The minister also raised concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create synthetic or deepfake content. He said no digital content that imitates a person’s face, voice or identity should be created or shared without their consent. Protecting users, especially children and vulnerable groups, must be a priority for tech companies, he added.
Vaishnaw noted that several countries are already introducing regulations to make large technology firms more accountable. He indicated that India could also consider appropriate measures if voluntary reforms are not implemented.
His remarks come at a time when debates over misinformation, copyright, and platform responsibility are intensifying globally.
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