The policy classifies social media influencers into four categories based on their subscribers, including influencers on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. (Representative image: Unsplash)
The policy encourages sharing of content based on government schemes and provides influencers with an opportunity to earn up to Rs 8 lakh per month. However, posting “anti-national” content can result in severe penalties, up to life in prison
You need to have at least 100,000 followers on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to be eligible for benefits under the Uttar Pradesh government's digital media policy. The policy encourages sharing of content based on government schemes and provides influencers with an opportunity to earn up to Rs 8 lakh per month. However, posting “anti-national” content can result in severe penalties, up to life in prison.
Uttar Pradesh government officials said the state cabinet's endorsement of the policy was an important step towards regulating social media content. “The cabinet's nod to the policy will now help regulate social media content. Besides, it will also help provide employment opportunities to UP residents living in other parts of the country and even abroad.
According to the policy, posting “anti-national” content is a serious crime and is punishable by legal action, with penalties ranging from three years to life in prison. So far, such offenses have been covered by Sections 66E and 66F of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
Additionally, the policy states that legal action will be taken against institutions or companies if they upload any “objectionable content.” According to the rules, the content “should not be indecent, obscene or anti-national”.
According to the policy, advertisements will be published by relevant agencies or companies displaying “content/videos/tweets/posts/reels” on digital media such as X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube based on the state government's plans or achievements.
“We will encourage social media influencers to do so. With the introduction of this policy, residents of the state living in various parts of the country and abroad will receive substantial employment protection.
The policy classifies social media influencers into four categories based on their subscribers, including influencers on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Rs 800,000 will be used to generate video content on social media based on government schemes, Rs 600,000 will be used to promote content through short films and Rs 400,000 will be used to promote content through podcasts.
The policy has sparked a debate, with some concerned it could be abused. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera wrote on Are twin-engine governments now prepared to trample on free speech? Due to opposition from the Indian Union, the Modi government had to withdraw the Broadcasting Bill 2024.
