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Ashwini Vaishnaw

I&B Minister Warns Big Tech: Address Fake News or Risk Losing ‘Safe Harbour’ Protection

Leave a Comment / By / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a stern warning to Big Tech companies on National Press Day, urging them to take stronger measures against fake news and algorithmic biases. Speaking at a Press Council of India event in Delhi, the minister highlighted four critical challenges impacting the news media: misinformation, AI-generated content, algorithmic manipulation, and unfair compensation for traditional media. Vaishnaw called out digital platforms for failing to verify information, leading to the unchecked spread of fake news, which he described as a “threat to democracy.” He suggested revisiting the Safe Harbour clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which currently grants immunity to platforms like Meta and X for user-generated content. The minister argued that the provision, formulated in the 1990s, is outdated given the vast influence of today’s digital platforms. “In a country as diverse as India, misinformation and algorithmic bias pose significant societal risks. Platforms must take greater responsibility to align their operations with our sensitivities,” he said. On algorithmic bias, Vaishnaw criticised platforms for amplifying sensational content to boost engagement, often at the cost of social harmony. He advocated for ethical solutions that prioritize responsible dissemination of information. The minister also addressed the economic disparity between traditional and digital media, urging Big Tech to ensure fair compensation for conventional media outlets that create original content. Highlighting the risks of artificial intelligence, Vaishnaw raised ethical concerns over AI-generated content and its impact on creators’ rights and recognition. He called for open debates and collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness in digital media governance. The speech underscored the government’s growing focus on regulating Big Tech and safeguarding democratic values in the digital era. Source: Indiatvnews Photo Credit: Indiatvnews

5G Spectrum auction enters day 3; receives bids worth Rs 1.49 lakh cr on day 2

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Day 3 of India’s 5G spectrum auctions began on Thursday with the tenth round of bidding for the airwaves required to provide lag-free connectivity and ultra-high-speed internet. After the ninth round of the second day’s largest-ever auction for mobile signal spectrum in the nation, bids for 5G airwaves totaled more than 1.49 lakh crore. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday that bids totalling 1,49,454 crores were received in the ninth round. “I am happy to see good competition in auction, good competition for all bands have come in,” Vaishnaw said, adding, “Bids worth ₹1,49,454 crore have been received so far at the end of 9th round.” According to the telecom minister, the third day of the 5G spectrum auction was extended, and it is continuing on Thursday. He added that demand is evident in all spectrum bands. The second day of the auction, which would enable ultra-high speeds about ten times faster than 4G and usher in new-age offerings and business models, began at 10 am and ended at 6 pm with nine rounds of bidding. After four rounds of spectrum bidding, the government got spectrum bids of 1.45 lakh crore on the first day of auction on Tuesday. On the first day, companies owned by businessmen Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Gautam Adani, as well as Vodafone Idea, placed bids totalling 1.45 lakh crore. On Wednesday, five rounds were held to receive more offers for airwaves. According to analysts, Ambani’s Reliance Jio may be the most aggressive competitor. The bid specifications have not yet been disclosed. According to ICICI Securities’ estimate, Jio most likely selected 10 MHz of spectrum in the exclusive 700 MHz band, placing the highest bid of 80,100 crore. ICICI Securities noted in its report, “It appears Adani has bought 26GHz spectrum in 20 circles (except in Delhi and Kolkata), and its total spectrum purchase could be 3350MHz for ₹900 crore. Our estimate is provisional as data does not reflect the entire purchase by Adani. We believe, it should have purchased 200 MHz spectrum in all circles except Gujarat, where it would have bought 400MHz.” Bharti Airtel may have submitted a bid for spectrum in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for 45,000 crores, which is 20% higher than anticipated. Adani Data Networks should have picked 26 GHz spectrum across India, whereas debt-ridden Vodafone Idea likely bid for 18,400 crores, according to the report. Source: PTI