Uttar Pradesh implements new social media policy: Life imprisonment for posts threatening national security

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a new social media policy. If the contents posted through social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube affect national security, they can now be imprisoned for life.

Posts deemed to affect national security are punishable by three years to life in prison. Earlier, the punishment for such offenses was given under Section 66 E and 66 F of the IT Act. These were sections on privacy violations and cyber terrorism. Obscene or defamatory posts may also be prosecuted for criminal defamation.

The Yogi government has set up a V-form agency to handle advertisements, too. This agency is responsible for videos, reels and posts. Payment limits have also been set for social media influencers, account holders and handlers. The maximum payment limit for X, Facebook and Instagram owners will be Rs 5,4,3 lakh and for YouTube videos, podcasts and reels it will be Rs 8,7,6,4 lakh.