Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive
Q3. How does real-time content takedown by executive authorities impact the enforcement of fundamental rights in cyberspace? What institutional reforms are necessary to uphold digital due process? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question:
The Centre informed the Karnataka High Court that Elon Musk-owned X’s description of the government’s Sahyog portal as a “censorship portal” is “unfortunate” and “condemnable”.Key demand of the question:
The question requires analysing the effect of real-time takedown powers on fundamental rights like freedom of speech and equality, and suggesting robust institutional reforms to ensure due process and accountability.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction:
Mention the emergence of real-time takedown powers by the executive and link it to increasing concerns around fundamental rights violations.Body:
- Impact on rights: Discuss how such actions affect freedom of speech, equality, and procedural fairness in the absence of adequate checks.
- Reform needs: Propose institutional safeguards like review boards, user notification, and transparency protocols to uphold digital due process.
Conclusion:
Highlight the importance of building a rights-based digital governance model that ensures executive accountability and citizen trust.
