Guidelines for Responsible Content Creation and Influencing by the Telangana State Commission for Women, The Telangana State Commission for Women, under the leadership of its new Chairperson Nerella Sharada, has issued comprehensive “Directives for Responsible Content Creation and Influencing.” These guidelines aim to curb the misuse of social media by ensuring that all content adheres to legal, moral, and public order standards.

The Imperative for Responsible Content Creation and Influencing

Upholding Freedom of Expression Within Legal Boundaries

Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees Freedom of Expression as a fundamental right. However, this freedom comes with reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). The rise of social media has introduced new avenues for disseminating information, emphasizing the need for responsible content creation. While creative freedom should be respected, it must not compromise public order, basic decency, morality, or the laws of the land as outlined in Article 19(2).

Addressing Recent Disturbing Incidents

A series of recent incidents involving a controversial video of a father-daughter duo have highlighted the urgent need for these directives. As the chairperson of a body dedicated to safeguarding women’s interests in Telangana, Chairperson Nerella Sharada has issued the following guidelines:

Guidelines for Content Creators and Influencers

Prioritizing Public Order, Basic Decency, and Morality

1. Adherence to Article 19(2): Content creators must prioritize public order, basic decency, and morality across all platforms, as mandated by Article 19(2).
2. Compliance with Existing Laws: Content must not violate laws concerning women’s safety. The commission reserves the right to take stringent action against offenders.

Understanding Reasonable Restrictions

3. Constitutional Awareness: Creators should be well-versed with the reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression as laid out by the Indian Constitution and must adhere to these restrictions.
4. Legal Compliance: Content should not hinder the operation of any existing law or the State’s ability to enact new laws.

Avoiding Defamatory and Violent Content

5. Non-Defamatory Content: Content must not be defamatory or incite any form of violence.
6. Preserving Social and Secular Harmony: The sanctity of the state’s social and secular fabric must be upheld at all times.

Combating Misinformation

7. Responsibility for Accuracy: Spreading misinformation or unverified conspiracy theories without clear disclaimers can lead to prosecution.
8. Protecting Women’s Dignity: Any content that outrages a woman’s modesty, involves sexual harassment, or incites violence against individuals or communities is a criminal offense and will be prosecuted, regardless of the platform used.

Exercising Discretion in Content Creation

9. Respecting Sentiments: Content creators should ensure that their work does not belittle any person, group, gender, community, or sex unless supported by verified facts.
10. Influencer Responsibility: Influencers must recognize the responsibility that comes with their followers and use their influence positively.
11. Understanding Comedy Boundaries: Even within the subjective realm of comedy, individuals must understand where to draw the line to avoid crossing into offensive territory.

Conclusion

The directives from the Telangana State Commission for Women emphasize the critical need for responsible content creation and influencing. By adhering to these guidelines, content creators and influencers can ensure their work respects legal, moral, and public order standards, thereby contributing to a safer and more respectful digital environment.