31-Jan-2023: GACs to Address Complaints Against Social Media Platforms

Union government has notified the formation of three Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) that will address user complaints against social media and other internet-based platforms. These panels will also be empowered to oversee and revoke content moderation-related decisions taken by these platforms.

Composition of GACs

• Chairperson
• Two whole-time members from different government entities.
• Retired senior executives from the industry.

Solving of conflicts:

The GACs will deal with two categories of disputes:

• Violation of law and rights of users.
• Contractual disputes between platform’s community guidelines and users.

Functions of GACs:

• Act as a layer of tech-sector regulator that the MeitY is expected to prescribe under the upcoming Digital India Bill, which is the successor to the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Adopt online dispute resolution mechanism where the entire appeal process, from its filing to the final decision, will be done online.

Significance and need for GACs

• Ensure open, safe, trusted and accountable internet in India.
• Address large numbers of unaddressed or unsatisfactorily addressed grievances.
• Create a culture of responsiveness among internet platforms and intermediaries towards consumers.

Three panels:

• First Panel: To be chaired by CEO of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Second Panel: To be chaired by joint secretary in charge of the Policy and Administration Division in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Third Panel: To be chaired by senior scientist at the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

18-Jan-2023: Revival of Village Defence Committees (VDC)

A force multiplier established in the mid-1990s in response to militant attacks in remote hilly villages in Jammu and Kashmir.

Origin: The demand for civilian defense arose after the massacre of 13 people in Kishtwar in 1993 and the Home Ministry decided to set up the VDCs in 1995.

Purpose: To provide residents with weapons and arms training to defend themselves against militant attacks.

The scheme was later expanded to other areas of the Jammu division as the militant activities extended to other districts.

Contribution

• Role in combating militancy: The VDCs played a significant role in fighting militancy in most parts of the Jammu division, especially in the hills of Udhampur, Reasi, and Kathua districts.
• Impact in local areas: The villagers, who were well-versed with the local topography, helped to prevent many militant attacks and assisted in the capture and killing of militants.

Issues

• Human rights violations: The VDCs faced allegations of human rights violations, including murder, rape, and extortions.
• Criminal activities: The VDCs also faced accusations of other crimes.

Revival as Village Defence Guards (VDG)

• Approval by Union Ministry of Home Affairs: The new scheme to set up VDGs was approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in March 2022.
• Functioning under police direction: The VDGs will function under the direction of the SSP/SP of the district.

Comparison between VDC and VDG

• Similarities: Like a VDC member, each VDG member will be provided a gun and 100 rounds of ammunition.
• Differences: The lead member of the VDGs will be paid Rs 4,500 per month by the government, while others will get Rs 4,000 each, while in the VDCs only the lead SPOs were paid a monthly remuneration of Rs 1,500.