UP Government Unveils Digital Media Policy to Manage Social Media Content

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a digital media policy to share developmental and welfare schemes via social media. Influencers will be compensated based on followers, with legal actions for objectionable content. The BJP endorses it as job-creating, while opposition parties see it as curbing freedom of expression.

The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a digital media policy aimed at disseminating information regarding various developmental and public welfare schemes through social media platforms, as per an official document.

The policy stipulates a payment of up to Rs 8 lakh per month to influencers, depending on their followers and subscribers on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Legal repercussions are in place for uploading 'objectionable content,' according to the document.

While the BJP praised the policy as an employment generator and social media regulator, opposition parties criticized it as an attempt to stifle freedom of expression and misuse public funds. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi lauded the initiative, whereas the Samajwadi Party and Congress argued it aims to suppress dissent.

(With inputs from agencies.)