UP Govt introduces new social media policy: Life term imprisonment for anti-national posts. Policy also encourages the sharing of information related to Govt schemes for Social Media influencers.
For X, Facebook, and Instagram, the maximum monthly payment limits are set at Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively.
Amount is double for YouTube influencers.
The Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, approved by the state cabinet, aims to regulate social media content and incentivize influencers. Here are the key highlights:
- Incentivizing Influencers:
- Influencers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Shorts, Podcast, Facebook, and YouTube can now earn up to ₹8 lakh per month for promoting state welfare schemes and achievements.
- The exact payout depends on the influencer’s follower count and views.
- Penalties for ‘Anti-National’ Content:
- Posting ‘anti-national’ content is considered a serious offense under the new policy.
- Penalties range from 3 years to life imprisonment for such posts.
- Obscene and defamatory content can lead to criminal defamation charges.
- Role of Digital Agency ‘V-Form’:
- The government has appointed a digital agency named ‘V-Form’ to manage advertisements.
- ‘V-Form’ will oversee the display of videos, tweets, posts, and reels by influencers.
- Influencers/agencies/firms are categorized based on their subscribers/followers.
- Platform-Specific Payments:
- Influencers on X, Facebook, and Instagram can earn a maximum of ₹5 lakh, ₹4 lakh, and ₹3 lakh respectively per month.
- YouTube influencers posting videos, shorts, and podcasts can earn up to ₹8 lakh, ₹7 lakh, ₹6 lakh, and ₹4 lakh respectively.
In summary, Yogi Adityanath’s government aims to leverage influencers’ reach to promote state initiatives while ensuring compliance with content guidelines. The policy strikes a balance between rewarding influencers and maintaining responsible online behavior.