Why in the News?

A YouTube vlogger/influencer from Haryana, has been arrested on charges of espionage.

More on the News

• The Social Media influencer was booked under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (see box) and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
• Section 152 of the BNS deals with 'Act endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.'

Social Media Influencers as a Threat to National Security

• Fuelling Psychological Warfare: They spread misinformation and disinformation that threaten national security by disseminating foreign narratives to shape public opinion.
  • E.g., China leverages influencers to disseminate state narratives, countering global criticism of issues faced by the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
• Facilitating espionage activities: They pose a threat to national security by unwittingly or deliberately spreading sensitive information through their platforms.
  • E.g., Influencers like Jyoti Malhotra were allegedly recruited by the Pakistan intelligence agency.
• Social Polarisation & Communal Tensions: E.g., The Indian government blocked 1,093 Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube accounts for spreading fake news, manipulated videos, and hate speech to incite violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
• Foreign Influence & Hybrid Warfare: Pro-Khalistani influencers (e.g., Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). -backed accounts) spread secessionist propaganda via YouTube/Twitter.
  • India ordered the blocking of social media accounts of foreign-based "Punjab Politics TV" over its alleged "close links" with the banned outfit SFJ.
• Terror Propaganda: Extremist groups leverage social media's global reach and anonymity to spread violent propaganda, targeting vulnerable youth for radicalization.
  • Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was the architect of the social-media-driven psychological warfare in Kashmir.
  • E.g., Al-Qaeda utilised YouTube preachers like Anwar al-Awlaki to influence and recruit through emotionally charged content.

Steps Taken by India to Tackle Influencers' Threat to National Security

• Legal Framework & Policies
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act): Section 69A of the Act grants the government power to block online content in the interest of national security, public order, or sovereignty.
  • IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
    • Requires platforms to appoint grievance officers, remove unlawful content within 36 hours, and trace message originators upon government request.
    • Rule 3(1)(b)(v): Prohibits content threatening "public order" or national integrity.
  • The government notified the Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB): It is the official fact-checking body to tackle fake news.
  • Regular sensitization of government officials on the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964: To prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information and strengthen internal defenses against misinformation and espionage.
• Tackling Propaganda Warfare During Operation Sandor
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed states bordering Pakistan and Nepal to maintain strict vigil on anti-national propaganda on social and other media platforms.
    • Directed prompt action against violators and coordinated between the local administration, the army, and paramilitary forces.
  • States have been instructed to block social media accounts spreading fake narratives against India under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
  • Government urged the public to report fake news to PIB Fact Check amid Pakistan propaganda surge.

Conclusion

India's multi-layered approach combines existing OSA with modern IT regulations, creating a comprehensive framework that addresses both traditional espionage and contemporary digital threats through influencer networks.