In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has unveiled a new digital policy for 2024, one that fundamentally reshapes the landscape of social media in the state. This policy, while seemingly designed to promote the state government’s achievements, raises alarming questions about the erosion of freedom of expression and the potential slide towards authoritarianism in India’s most populous state.
Under the new guidelines, social media influencers and content creators with significant followings are offered a lucrative opportunity: if they post content that praises the government’s schemes, policies, and actions on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and others, they can earn anywhere from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh per month. This payment is effectively a reward for promoting the government’s agenda. However, the policy also comes with a sharp edge—those who post content deemed “objectionable,” “indecent,” or “anti-national” face the risk of severe legal action.
A Lifeline for Declining Influence?
It is speculated that influencers who are ardent supporters of Modi, Yogi, BJP, and RSS on social media are witnessing a decline in their organic audience engagement. This dip in popularity is resulting in significantly reduced revenue generation from their platforms. The monotony of supporting a single ideology may be contributing to their fatigue, leading to dwindling enthusiasm among their followers. As a result, these influencers are struggling to maintain their earnings, prompting some to reconsider their ideological stance.
The crux of the issue seems to be that social media users increasingly crave independent, unbiased content, turning away from what they perceive as biased and sycophantic media. This shift in audience preference is causing a decline in the reach, viewership, and watch hours of content from influencers aligned with a single political ideology. Consequently, their revenue streams are drying up.
In response to this situation, Yogi Adityanath has introduced the Digital Policy 2024 in Uttar Pradesh, a move that appears to be an effort to legally channel funds from public taxes to support these loyalists. The policy offers financial incentives ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹8 lakh per month to influencers who promote the government’s schemes and policies on social media. However, it also carries a stern warning: those who post content deemed objectionable, indecent, or anti-national may face legal repercussions.
Freedom of Expression for Sale
The most striking and disturbing aspect of this policy is the blatant monetization of freedom of speech. In a democratic society, freedom of expression is a fundamental right, not a commodity to be bought and sold. Yet, the Yogi Adityanath government is effectively offering financial incentives to those who choose to align their social media presence with the government’s narrative. This creates a dangerous precedent where public discourse is shaped not by genuine opinions or critical thought, but by financial gain.
In essence, the new policy implies that if you use your platform to praise the government, you will be richly rewarded. But if you dare to criticize the government, question its policies, or speak out against its actions, you may find yourself at the receiving end of legal action, facing fines, or even imprisonment. This is not freedom of speech—it is a direct assault on the very principles of democracy.
The Cost of Criticism
The policy also outlines punitive measures for those who post content critical of the government. This includes content that might support public protests, criticize the government’s controversial bulldozer policies, or take a stand against actions like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In a chilling echo of authoritarian regimes, the Yogi Adityanath government is sending a clear message: dissent will not be tolerated.
This approach is particularly dangerous in a state like Uttar Pradesh, where the government’s actions and policies have often been the subject of public debate and criticism. By threatening legal action against those who speak out, the government is attempting to stifle opposition and create an atmosphere of fear among its citizens.
A Step Towards Authoritarianism
Yogi Adityanath’s new digital policy is not just an isolated attempt to control social media discourse; it is part of a broader pattern of governance that increasingly mirrors the tactics of authoritarian regimes. By creating an environment where freedom of expression is conditional upon government approval, Uttar Pradesh is taking a dangerous step towards becoming an undemocratic state, where the voices of the people are drowned out by the propaganda of the ruling party.
The consequences of such a policy are dire. If allowed to continue, this approach could lead to the complete erosion of fundamental rights in Uttar Pradesh, leaving its citizens with no political freedom or rights. It is a path that, if followed, could see India’s largest state resemble the likes of China, where dissent is silenced, and the government’s narrative is the only one that is allowed to exist.
The Role of the RSS and BJP
The influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in shaping this policy cannot be overlooked. Both organizations have long been accused of attempting to create a monolithic narrative that aligns with their ideological beliefs, often at the expense of India’s pluralistic and democratic traditions. The new digital policy is a clear reflection of these efforts, as it seeks to reward those who support the government while punishing those who oppose it.
This strategy is not only dangerous for the people of Uttar Pradesh but for the entire country. It represents a direct attack on the principles of democracy, where multiple viewpoints and healthy debate are essential for the functioning of a free society. By attempting to control the narrative on social media, the Yogi Adityanath government is undermining the very fabric of Indian democracy.
A Call to Defend Democracy
The introduction of this policy should serve as a wake-up call for all those who value freedom and democracy in India. It is imperative that citizens, civil society organizations, and political leaders across the country come together to resist this dangerous trend. The right to free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, and it must be defended at all costs.
Moreover, the judiciary and media must play their roles in safeguarding these rights. The courts should ensure that laws and policies that threaten fundamental freedoms are struck down, while the media must continue to highlight the dangers posed by such authoritarian measures.
Upholding the True Spirit of Democracy
The new digital policy in Uttar Pradesh is a stark reminder of the fragile state of democracy in India today. As the Yogi Adityanath government attempts to reshape the boundaries of freedom of expression, it is crucial that the citizens of Uttar Pradesh—and indeed the entire country—stand up against such efforts to undermine their rights.
In the end, democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, where the government is held accountable by its people, not the other way around. As Uttar Pradesh moves into 2024 under the shadow of this new policy, it is vital that we, as a nation, reaffirm our commitment to the true spirit of democracy—where freedom of expression is not for sale, and where the government serves the people, not the other way around.