Technology – Government Urges Platforms to Ensure Online Safety and Trust

Technology –  Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday called on digital platforms to accept greater responsibility for the material they host, emphasizing that protecting children and citizens in the online space is no longer optional but essential.

Speaking at the Digital News Publishers Association Conclave, Vaishnaw said technology companies must recognize the broader social impact of their services. He noted that the digital ecosystem has evolved rapidly, and with that transformation comes a heightened duty to safeguard users and preserve public confidence.

Platforms Asked to Strengthen Accountability

The minister stated that online intermediaries cannot distance themselves from the consequences of the content shared through their systems. According to him, user safety—especially that of children—should be treated as a primary obligation by technology platforms.

He stressed that if companies fail to uphold these responsibilities, they will have to answer for it. The internet, he observed, is no longer a limited communication tool but a powerful force shaping public opinion, behavior and institutions. That shift demands stronger accountability mechanisms.

Vaishnaw urged companies to reassess their approach and adapt to changing expectations from society. He said digital platforms must respond constructively to concerns raised by citizens who seek a safer and more trustworthy online environment.

Call for Oversight of AI-Generated Content

A significant portion of the minister’s address focused on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the risks associated with synthetic media. He highlighted concerns around AI-generated content, particularly instances where a person’s likeness, voice or personality is replicated without permission.

Vaishnaw made it clear that content created using such technologies should not be produced or circulated without the explicit consent of the individual involved. He described the present moment as a turning point, saying regulatory and ethical frameworks must evolve in line with technological advancements.

The minister appealed to technology companies to cooperate in addressing these challenges, adding that public demand for reform reflects legitimate concerns about misuse and manipulation in the digital age.

Trust as the Foundation of Institutions

Expanding on the broader theme of trust, Vaishnaw said human society rests on confidence in its institutions. From family structures and social identities to the judiciary, legislature and media, he noted, these systems function because people believe in their integrity and fairness.

Referring specifically to the media, he said its credibility depends on impartial reporting, fact verification and accountability. These principles, he added, are not unique to journalism but apply across all institutions developed over centuries.

According to the minister, every structured system in society is anchored in mutual trust. When that trust weakens, the stability of these institutions can also be affected.

Emerging Technologies and the Threat to Credibility

Vaishnaw cautioned that rapid technological changes are testing this foundational trust. Among the emerging concerns are deepfakes and other forms of manipulated digital content that can convincingly portray events or statements that never actually occurred.

Such developments, he said, have the potential to mislead citizens, distort public discourse and erode faith in credible sources of information. The minister indicated that proactive measures are necessary to counter these risks before they become more widespread.

He reiterated that digital platforms play a central role in shaping today’s information landscape and must therefore act responsibly. Strengthening safeguards, improving transparency and ensuring ethical use of advanced technologies are key steps toward maintaining public confidence.

As the digital ecosystem continues to expand, Vaishnaw’s remarks signal a renewed push for greater oversight and collaboration between the government, technology companies and media organizations. The focus, he suggested, should remain firmly on protecting citizens while preserving the trust that underpins democratic and social institutions.