The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has approved a new social media policy aimed at creating employment opportunities and enforcing stricter regulations.
This policy is designed to crack down on those who spread rumors on social media while also offering new advertising opportunities for digital media agencies and firms.
The government claims that the policy will help social media influencers earn up to 8 lakh rupees a month.
Earning Opportunities and Content Regulations
According to the policy, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have been categorized based on the number of subscribers and followers.
The maximum monthly earnings for influencers on X, Facebook, and Instagram are set at 5 lakh, 4 lakh, 3 lakh, and 2 lakh rupees, respectively.
For YouTube, the earnings range from 4 lakh to 8 lakh rupees depending on the type of content, such as videos, shorts, or podcasts.
However, the policy also emphasizes that content shared on these platforms must not be indecent, obscene, or anti-national.
Legal actions, including life imprisonment, can be taken against those who post anti-national content.
The government aims to use this policy to promote its public welfare schemes and achievements through social media.
Strict Legal Measures and Public Reception
The policy also includes severe penalties for posting objectionable content.
Anti-national posts could lead to imprisonment ranging from three years to life, with additional penalties for indecent and obscene content.
The BJP has hailed the policy as a historic step towards innovation and societal change.
The party’s spokesperson, Rakesh Tripathi, stated that the policy will not only create jobs but also encourage responsible digital communication.
This move is seen as a significant effort to improve the social and legal environment in Uttar Pradesh.
