The Ministry of Railways, under the direction of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has directed social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to remove 285 videos and tweets depicting the aftermath of the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which occurred on February 15 and resulted in at least 18 fatalities. Citing concerns over “sensitive or disturbing media depicting deceased individuals,” the ministry has set a 36-hour deadline for compliance.
This action follows the recent empowerment of the ministry to issue direct content takedown requests under the Information Technology Act, highlighting the importance of ethical content sharing in sensitive situations.
Immediate Response to Tragedy
In the wake of the horrific stampede at New Delhi Railway Station during the Maha Kumbh festival, which saw an overwhelming crowd of over 50,000 people, the Ministry of Railways, led by Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has taken swift action to mitigate further distress.
The stampede, which tragically claimed 18 lives and injured many others, unfolded as passengers rushed to board trains amidst chaotic conditions. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic and confusion as people struggled to navigate through the throngs of festival-goers.
In response to the circulation of graphic videos on social media, officials from the Ministry expressed grave concerns regarding public safety and mental well-being. A spokesperson stated, “The dissemination of such sensitive content can exacerbate trauma for victims’ families and disrupt public order.” The ministry’s directive to X aims to prevent further emotional distress caused by these images while ensuring that the focus remains on providing support to those affected by this tragedy.
Background on Content Moderation
This directive marks a significant step in content moderation practices following new powers granted to the Ministry of Railways in December 2024. Under these powers, the ministry, under Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw’s leadership, can issue takedown notices directly to social media platforms without going through the traditional IT ministry blocking committee.
This shift aims to streamline responses to urgent situations where public safety is at stake. The notice issued by the Ministry highlighted ethical standards for content sharing, urging platforms like X to adhere to their own policies regarding sensitive media. The ministry’s approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for responsible digital communication, especially in times of crisis.
Additionally, this incident has prompted discussions within legal circles about the balance between freedom of expression and the need for sensitivity in reporting tragedies.
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