Uttar Pradesh's Controversial Digital Media Policy: Influencer Pay and Legal Repercussions

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a digital media policy that allows payments of up to Rs 8 lakh per month to influencers for promoting state schemes. The policy also authorizes legal action against posts deemed 'anti-national' or 'anti-social'. The opposition criticizes the policy as undemocratic and aimed at stifling free expression.

The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a new digital media policy, permitting payments up to Rs 8 lakh per month to social media influencers for promoting state schemes. This policy also grants the authority to take legal action against posts considered 'anti-national' or 'anti-social'.

The policy has sparked significant backlash from the opposition, accusing the state's BJP government of curbing freedom of expression. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav labeled the strategy as a 'new type of corruption', while the Congress UP chief condemned it as 'undemocratic' and 'anti-Constitution'.

Despite the controversy, the BJP defends the policy as a step towards creating employment and regulating online content. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi praised the policy, stating that it reflects the Yogi Adityanath government's commitment to adapting to societal changes and fostering job creation.

(With inputs from agencies.)