Amid a surge in bomb threats targeting Indian airlines, the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT has strongly criticised social media platform X (formerly Twitter), accusing it of enabling the spread of hoaxes that have disrupted flight operations in recent days.
According to a report by NDTV, the ministry’s criticism came during a virtual meeting led by Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve, where representatives from airlines, X, and Meta were questioned about their response to the growing menace of false bomb threats.
Bhondve accused X of “abetting crime” by allowing these threats to circulate unchecked, emphasising that the platform must take stronger action to curb the spread of false information. “By failing to prevent these hoaxes from gaining traction, X is effectively facilitating criminal activities,” Bhondve stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Over the past several days, more than 120 flights operated by major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, have been targeted by bomb threats. Just yesterday, 30 flights were affected, forcing airlines to implement emergency protocols and alert authorities.
In response to the growing crisis, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held a briefing on October 21 to address concerns and reassure the public. He stressed that the government is treating these threats with utmost seriousness and prioritising passenger safety. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these hoaxes face strict consequences,” Naidu said, adding that individuals spreading such false information could face severe penalties, including placement on a no-fly list.
The government is also considering amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act to expand its scope. Currently, the law focuses on in-flight incidents, but proposed changes would allow authorities to address offences that occur when an aircraft is on the ground.
“Our legal teams are working on these changes in consultation with other ministries to make these offences cognizable,” Naidu explained, signalling the government’s intent to toughen its stance on bomb threats.
While discussing the possibility of a coordinated effort behind the recent wave of threats, Naidu refrained from making any definitive conclusions, stating that the investigation is ongoing. However, he acknowledged the significant disruption caused by the hoaxes, which have resulted in multiple flight diversions, including international routes.
To enhance security at airports, the government has increased surveillance measures, including more thorough checks at security points and heightened CCTV monitoring. “We are not compromising on safety,” Naidu assured, adding that the government is closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies and adapting its approach based on each new incident. “Safety remains our top priority, and we are continually learning from each case to improve our response.”
As investigations continue, the Ministry of Electronics and IT is expected to hold further discussions with social media platforms and airlines, demanding stricter measures to curb the spread of harmful misinformation that could endanger public safety.
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