Fair Pay, Consent, Online Safety: Ashwini Vaishnaw Draws Red Line For Digital Platforms

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called on digital platforms to adopt a fair revenue-sharing model that benefits content creators, including journalists, influencers, and researchers. Speaking at the DNPA Conclave 2026, he warned that the government may introduce legal measures if voluntary compliance is not ensured. Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of respecting intellectual property, maintaining trust in institutions, and safeguarding online safety, especially against deepfakes, synthetic content, and misinformation. He described the issue as an inflexion point for modern media, stressing that platforms have a responsibility for the content they host and must protect societal trust. His remarks indicate a potential regulatory shift in India’s digital ecosystem, aiming to balance digital economics, enhance accountability, and ensure platforms contribute fairly while addressing threats to credibility, authenticity, and public confidence in media and institutions.