Lucknow, August 28, 2024 – The Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a groundbreaking social media policy that promises lucrative incentives for influencers promoting government schemes while imposing severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for content deemed “anti-national” or “objectionable.” This policy marks a significant shift in how the state government interacts with digital platforms, aiming to enhance its online presence while strictly regulating content for responsible use of Social Media.

Incentives for Promotion:

Under the new policy, social media influencers can earn up to Rs 8 lakh monthly by promoting government initiatives on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. The compensation is structured based on the number of followers and the engagement level of the content shared. This move is seen as an attempt to leverage the power of social media for governance, making government schemes more visible and appealing to the public.

However, the policy’s most controversial aspect lies in its stringent restrictions. Content that is labeled as anti-national, obscene, or objectionable could lead to life imprisonment for creators. This clause has sparked a debate over freedom of expression. Critics specially the opposition argues that the broad definitions of what constitutes “objectionable” content could potentially stifle legitimate criticism of government policies, leading to a chilling effect on free speech. However, there is a genuine need for responsible usage of Social Media, and these regulations are expected to ensure that propagation of fake news is discouraged.

The policy has divided public opinion. While some see it as a progressive step towards engaging younger audiences with governance, others view it as an overreach, potentially curbing democratic discourse.

Government’s Perspective:

Advocates for the policy argue that it’s designed to foster a positive digital environment, encouraging constructive dialogue while deterring misinformation and content that could incite violence or disrupt social harmony. The government’s information department has outlined that the policy aims to list specific agencies or firms for handling advertisements, ensuring that content promoting state achievements and schemes is professionally managed.

Conclusion:

Uttar Pradesh’s new social media policy represents a bold attempt to harness digital platforms for governance while imposing strict measures for responsible fact-based content creation and regulation. This policy could significantly alter how individuals and influencers in Uttar Pradesh engage with social media. As the policy comes into effect, its impact on freedom of expression, the dynamics of online political discourse, and the behavior of social media influencers will be closely watched, not just within India but globally, as a case study in digital governance.