Rising concerns over obscene posts and misinformation on social media
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, social media has become a central arena for political discourse, but it also hosts obscene posts and manipulated content that can distort public perception. On October 1, 2025, the coalition government issued orders to form a cabinet sub-committee of five ministers to study actions against obscene posts on social media. The panel will evaluate existing social media laws, accountability mechanisms, user protection, and strategies to curb the spread of fake information while upholding democratic norms.
The Sub-Committee: Composition and Mandate
The committee is chaired by the Home Minister and includes five ministers: IT and Education Minister, the Health Minister, the Consumer Affairs Minister, and the Housing and Information Broadcasting Minister. The government has directed the sub-committee to deliver a comprehensive report addressing seven key dimensions, including regulatory gaps, guidelines, and international practices for safeguarding citizens against obscene content and misinformation.
Committee Members
Members named for this task are:
– Home Minister: Vangalapudi Anitha
– IT and Education Minister: Nara Lokesh
– Medical Health Minister: Satyakumar
– Consumer Affairs Minister: Nadendla Manohar
– Housing and Information Broadcasting Minister: Kolusu Parthasarathi
Seven study areas
- Legal and regulatory framework for social media, including anti-obscenity provisions.
- Content accountability, moderation guidelines, and platform responsibilities.
- User protection, privacy, and data security measures.
- Measures to counter fake posts, deepfakes, morphed images, and misleading videos.
- Comparative analysis of international policies and best practices.
- Transparency standards, audits, and reporting requirements for platforms.
- Complaints redress mechanisms and remedies for harmed users, along with rights protection.
Context: Social media politics and the fight against misinformation
Across the state, social media is shaping political narratives. Fake posts and obscenity online challenge civil discourse and trust in institutions. The emergence of deepfakes and edited content has intensified concerns about authenticity and accountability online. With posts likely affecting public opinion, the government’s move to establish a sub-committee is framed as a step toward balancing freedom of expression with responsible digital citizenship and user protection norms.
What to expect next
The sub-committee will study seven core areas and review current social media laws and guidelines. Its findings are expected to inform policy recommendations, potential revisions to guidelines for platforms, and possibly new statutory instruments aimed at curbing obscene posts on social media and curtailing the spread of misinformation. The government has signaled a commitment to transparency, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and promoting safer online participation while maintaining healthy political discourse.
Conclusion
As digital communications reshapes political engagement, proactive governance becomes essential. The establishment of a dedicated sub-committee to study obscene posts on social media demonstrates the government’s priority to address online misconduct while protecting democratic participation. The public awaits the panel’s guidance, which could influence how platforms regulate content, how authorities respond to violations, and how users navigate online spaces in the future.
