GS4 · 20 marks · 250 words

A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian. (a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case? (b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

How toppers approached it

From all 4 answers · about 290 words · 50% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening4 of 4

Body

  • Points and prose3 of 4
  • Points1 of 4

Close

  • A way forward3 of 4
  • No separate close1 of 4

The toppers’ answers

Anshu PriyaAIR 16 · CSE 2021 · 289 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The above case represents the recent event when a comedian had to face a lot of backlash due to certain controversial elements in his monologue.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Stakeholders * The freedom and job of comedian and other influencers * Section of society * In support * Against * Government : Demand for justice and action

CORE ETHICAL ISSUES

→ Violation of Freedom of Speech and Expression [Article 19] of the comedian

→ Reasonable restrictions on Freedom of Speech and Expression [public order and Morality]

↳ Fundamental rights V/S Fundamental duty (51A) → ◉ Dignity and Fraternity in the society

↳ [Intolerance] and Expression of [Dissent]

→ [Polarisation] of Society into two entities

↳ [Image] of Indian portrayed abroad → May damage its 'soft power'

↳ Role of [Social Influencers] and derogatory [persuasion] by them

↳ Sentiments of Society in general which might have been hurt by the comedian.

Need for regulation of content circulated online

PROS → No freedom should be absolute. It must respect the religious and social values of ethos. → Lightening speed of online content leads to degradation of dignity [Article 21] [Shreya Singhal case] → Fake and Morphed content and no independent fact checking mechanism. → Deep fakes may create communal tensions and societal rifts. → Regulation of print + digital news media however no code of ethics and conduct for online. → Safe harbour provisions of Information Technology rules → immunity to digital media.

CONS

→ Chilling effect on Freedom of Speech which might be out of proportion

→ Role of government as a facilitator and not a arbitrator of truth.

→ Impossible to Regulate → Volatile nature and speed of online media.

Close · a way forward

However, while Creative Freedom must be allowed to all artists on all mediums, it is also important to ensure → Societal Cohesiveness and respect for Societal Values and Ethics.

The recent Social Media Intermediaries guidelines is a step in right direction.

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