The All India Students' Association (AISA) in a statement on September 2, 2024 strongly condemned the newly announced Digital Media Policy by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government. This policy, which offers social media influencers up to ₹8 lakh per month to promote government schemes, is a direct and dangerous assault on freedom of speech. Under the guise of promoting welfare schemes, this policy seeks to control the narrative on digital platforms, silencing any dissent against the ruling party.
The policy goes beyond mere incentives; it introduces severe legal consequences for content deemed "objectionable," "anti-national," or "anti-social." This broad and vague categorization is clearly designed to suppress any voices that challenge the government’s actions or policies. Such measures are reminiscent of the Modi government’s earlier attempts to control online content, as seen in the controversial draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which was widely criticised for its potential to stifle free expression.
This policy is Yogi Adityanath’s fascist model of curtailing free speech on social media platforms. It aims to regulate what can and cannot be said, effectively criminalising pro-people content and branding dissent as 'anti-national.' This is particularly alarming in the context of similar actions in other BJP-ruled states, such as the arrest of singer Altaf Hussain in Assam for a protest song highlighting the targeting of Muslims. These instances reflect a broader strategy of repressing marginalised voices and silencing those who dare to speak out against injustice.
The Siddique Kappan case is another glaring example of the Yogi government's attempts to muzzle journalists and activists who seek to report the truth. Kappan was detained under anti-terror laws simply for trying to cover the Hathras gang rape case, exposing the severe consequences faced by those who dare to speak truth to power. The new Digital Media Policy appears to be another step in this dangerous direction, where the state decides what information is permissible, eroding the public’s right to know the truth.
AISA argues that citizens have a fundamental right to know the truth, and this Digital Media Policy directly curtails that right. By controlling the flow of information and labelling dissent as 'anti-national,' the policy restricts access to diverse viewpoints and factual reporting. This not only undermines democracy but also creates an environment where only the government-approved narrative prevails, leaving citizens in the dark about critical issues.
AISA demands the immediate withdrawal of this draconian Digital Media Policy. We stand firmly against any attempt to stifle the voices of the people and to use public funds to push BJP-RSS's propaganda. The right to free expression and the right to truth are cornerstones of democracy, and AISA will continue to resist any policies that threaten these fundamental freedoms.
