A “screening mechanism” must on social media, to avoid sharing rape videos: Sunitha Krishnan

Hyderabad: Videos and pictures of horrific incidents of sexual harassment and gang rapes are being shared on social media platforms without any screening mechanism by tech firms, pointed out Sunitha Krishnan, social activist and the founder of Prajwala.

On Wednesday morning, Sunitha Krishnan was shocked after she received a text from someone requesting her to take action against a gang-rape video being shared on Instagram. Irked by such disturbing content on social media platforms, she took to Twitter to express her concerns about it.

“Rape & gang rape videos are being shared on @Twitter @facebook @WhatsApp @instagram @YouTube indiscriminately &none of these platforms want to take accountability for content, why? In the name of privacy & freedom of expression this is by & far the worst form of human rights abuse (sic).”

Rape & gang rape videos are being shared on @Twitter @facebook @WhatsApp @instagram @YouTube indiscriminately &none of these platforms want to take accountability for content, why?In the name of privacy & freedom of expression this is by & far the worst form of human rights abuse

— sunitha krishnan (@sunita_krishnan) September 30, 2019

While speaking to NewsMeter Network, Sunitha said, “It’s unfortunate to see such content being shared on social media platforms and how these tech firms are not keeping any track of it. These videos of sexual abuse shared on social media platforms is the worst form of human rights abuse. It’s high time that these tech-firms take responsibility for such disturbing content before it gets uploaded on social media platforms.”

She asked why such content should get uploaded in the first place. She noted that by the time it gets reported, millions would have already seen it. “It’s sadder how citizens are forwarding and sharing these videos on social media without empathising with the victim. It’s shocking how these tech-firms have let such videos get shared on their social media platforms without any restrictions. We have made recommendations in the Supreme Court to have a screening mechanism for such content before they are uploaded. However, all tech firms are resistant to the idea,” she adds.

However, such disturbing content has been shared in the country despite, the fact that publishing and distributing rape and gang rape content is illegal in India. If anyone notices such content, call Women’s Helpline number 1091.

Also Read: https://newsmeter.in/tribal-woman-gang-raped-for-asking-to-clear-salary-dues/