How investigating agencies deal with the spread of objectionable content on the social media

Source: The post is based on the article “How investigating agencies deal with the spread of objectionable content on social media” published in Indian Express on 19th September 2022.

What is the News?

As allegations of an objectionable video of women students of Chandigarh University being leaked have triggered outrage.

What is the first step to tackling objectionable content that goes viral?

The first task for the investigation agency is to identify the social media intermediary through which the objectionable content in any form i.e., pictures, videos, or voice messages are being spread. 

Usually, investigation agencies rely on the disclosure of the first arrested accused who discloses about the first method through which the content was shared.

What happens after the social media intermediaries are identified?

After identifying one or multiple social media intermediaries, the investigation agency communicates with the regulating authorities/headquarters of these intermediaries.

There are two methods for communication

First is the emergency disclosure, in which the agency seeks the phone number and IP address of a device which was used to create/record the objectionable/vulnerable content. Routine matters in which there is no urgency are pursued through this method. 

Second is the emergency response. Matters related to national security, threats to human lives and child abuse are followed through this method.

Can an individual approach the grievance redressal officer of social media sites independently in India?

According to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, a victim can directly approach the grievances redressal officer of any social media site independently or through an investigation agency. 

All major social sites including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter are bound to place their grievances redressal officers in India as per the rules. 

The grievances officer is bound to acknowledge the complaint within 24 hours and dispose of a such complaint within a period of fifteen days from the date of its receipt. 

Is it a complicated process to identify the suspect or erase, delete and make the content inaccessible?

Removing/deleting and identifying the culprit on WhatsApp is more complicated than on Facebook or Twitter. 

In the case of Facebook or Twitter, the investigation agency can identify the suspect through their account, be it fake or based on a fictitious identity. 

But in the case of WhatsApp, the video, pictures or voice messages spread instantly and are forwarded to many at a time. However, once the objectionable content is removed from the original number, the content shall be removed in the coming days automatically.