New Delhi, 26 February (H.S.): Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged digital platforms on Thursday to assume responsibility for hosted content, emphasizing online safety for children and citizens as their core obligation.

Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) conclave, Vaishnaw warned platforms to wake up and honor society's foundational needs. Internet's nature has transformed; platforms are now powerful media entities, he said, stressing accountability for hosted material.

Vaishnaw highlighted trust as civilization's bedrock—underpinning judiciary, legislature, media, and social structures—but threatened by deepfakes, disinformation, and synthetic fakes. He condemned non-consensual AI videos featuring anchors or tycoons promoting products, mandating prior approval for using faces, voices, or likenesses.

Platforms must combat cyber fraud, crimes, and addictive gaming via algorithms that avoid amplifying misleading content. Effective grievance mechanisms are essential for users, with judiciary and parliamentary panels voicing concerns.

Vaishnaw demanded fair revenue shares for creators, publishers, researchers, and originators, threatening legal mandates—as in other nations—if voluntary models fail. He called for platforms to realign with societal expectations and rebuild institutional trust.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar