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
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.