Social media has become integral to global communication, fostering virtual communities and networks where information and ideas are shared freely. Its popularity has surged, encompassing various platforms like blogs, vlogs, YouTube, microblogs, social networking sites, and wikis.
Social media law is an evolving field that addresses legal issues surrounding user-generated content and online platforms. It covers areas such as defamation, intellectual property rights, privacy concerns, and more, both in criminal and civil contexts.
Social media activities are governed by several laws that protect freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, subject to reasonable restrictions. The Information Technology Act, particularly Section 66, regulates offensive online content and imposes penalties.
Recent legal challenges have questioned the constitutionality of laws like Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, leading to its repeal due to concerns over free speech. Other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code address issues such as obscenity, defamation, and hate speech.
The case of Shreya Singhal v. Union of India was pivotal in striking down Section 66A, affirming the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression in digital spaces.
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