Digital Speech, Social Media, And Terrorist Propaganda Under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

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Sanjana, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

Advancement in internet technologies and online social media networks has proved beneficial to society in contemporary times. In the traditional times where it took a long time for information to transmit, today it can spread widely within a short span of time. Social media platforms have become a space for people to express themselves and navigate their thoughts to the entire world. It provides room for people to express their views, conduct political debates, and express dissent. However, there is a dark side to this technological expansion. These social media platforms are misused by several individuals to spread hate speech, violence, and objectionable propaganda. The digitalisation of technology and speech has given an extended arm to extremist and terrorists organisations. These social media platforms are now used by terrorist or extremist groups to spread propaganda, glorify violence, and recruit members which can threat the national security. This dual use has led to many legal and constitutional challenges. To address the issue of arising threats to national security because of digital speech, social media, and terrorist propaganda, India has invoked the provisions of Unlawful Activities (prevention) Act,1967 (UAPA) several times. In the recent times, UAPA has emerged as principal counter- terrorism legislation in the country. Although the act was enacted in pre-digital era, but, the provisions of the act are broadened over time by several amendments and can be extended to apply on digital speech and online activity. The research paper examines the provisions of UAPA and analyses the application of these provision for regulating digital speech and terrorism on social media platforms. The paper also draws the reference of how the stringent provisions of the act undermine the constitutional guarantees provided under Article 19 (1)(a) and provides for a balanced approach by requiring combined effective legal enforcement, judicial oversight and greater public awareness.

Keywords: Digital speech, terrorist propaganda, social media, UAPA, national security, freedom of expression

505. DIGITAL SPEECH, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND TERRORIST PROPAGANDA UNDER THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES

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