Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024

Introduction

The Department of Telecommunications on 28th October 2024 notified an amendment to the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018 (FMCR 2018). 

Rule 9 of the principle rules in FMCR 2018 stated: 

 “Restrictions–(1) The IFMC service provider shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at minimum height of 3000 meters in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks. (2) Internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used only in airplane mode.”

In 2022, an amendment was made to the attached form in the Rules for obtaining authorisation to provide IFMC services. 

Subsequently, the 2024 amendment substitutes sub-rule (2), namely : 

“ (2)  Notwithstanding the minimum height in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft.”

Highlights of the Amendment 

These rules govern the use of Wi-Fi in airplanes and ships within or above India or Indian territorial waters through In Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) services provided by IFMC service providers responsible for establishing and maintaining them.

Airplanes are equipped with antennas, onboard servers, and routers to connect to signals received from ground towers via Direct Air-to-Ground Communications (DA2GC) or through satellites. The DA2GC system offers connectivity through various communication methods, supporting services like in-flight Internet access and mobile multimedia. Licensed In-Flight Mobile Connectivity (IFMC) providers must adhere to standards set by international organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or by international forums like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to offer In-Flight Connectivity. Providers using Indian or foreign satellite systems must obtain approval from the Department of Space.

The IFMC service provider must operate mobile communication services on aircrafts at a minimum altitude of 3,000 meters within Indian airspace to prevent interference with terrestrial mobile networks. However, Wi-Fi access can be enabled at any point during the flight when device use is permitted, not just after reaching 3,000 meters. This flexibility is intended to allow passengers to connect to Wi-Fi earlier in the flight. This amendment aims to ensure that passengers can access the internet while maintaining the safety standards critical to in-flight communication systems.

Implications

1. Increased Data Security Needs:  There will be a need for robust cybersecurity measures against potential threats and data breaches. 
2. Increased Costs: Airplanes will have to incur the initial costs for installing antennae. Since airfare pricing in India is market-driven and largely unregulated, these costing changes might find their way into ticket prices, making flight tickets more expensive. 
3. Interference Management: A framework regarding the conditions under which  Wi-FI must be switched off to avoid interference with terrestrial communication systems can be determined by stakeholders and communicated to passengers. 
4. Enhanced Connectivity Infrastructure: Airlines may need to invest in better flight-connectivity infrastructure to handle increased network traffic as more passengers access Wi-fi at lower altitudes and for longer durations. 

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Conclusion

The  Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, enhance passenger convenience and align India with global standards for in-flight connectivity while complying with international safety protocols. Access to the internet during flights and at sea provides valuable real-time information, enhances safety, and offers access to health support during aviation and maritime operations.  However, new challenges including the need for robust cybersecurity measures, cost implications for airlines and passengers, and management of interference with terrestrial networks will have to be addressed through a collaborative approach between airlines, IFMC providers, and regulatory authorities. 

Sources 

• https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2018_12_17%20AS%20IFMC_2.pdf?download=1 
• https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Amendment%20dated%2004112024%20in%20flight%20and%20maritime%20connectivity%20rules%202018%20to%20IFMC%20Service%20Provider.pdf  
• https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/wireless/how-does-airplane-wifi-work 
• https://tec.gov.in/public/pdf/Studypaper/DA2GC_Paper%2008-10-2020%20v2.pdf 
• https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/wifi-use-flights-no-longer-linked-altitude-now-subject-permission-2628118-2024-11-05  
• https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1843408#:~:text=With%20the%20repeal%20of%20Air,issue%20directions%20to%20such%20airline. 

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Introduction

In the age of social media, the news can spread like wildfire. A recent viral claim contained that police have started a nationwide scheme of free travel service for women at night. It stated that any woman who is alone and cannot find a vehicle to go home between 10 PM and 06 AM can contact the provided numbers and request a free vehicle. The viral message further contained the request to share and forward this information to everyone to get the women to know about the free vehicle service offered by police at night. However, upon fact check the claim was found to be misleading.

Social Impact of Misleading Information

The fact that such misleading information gets viral at a fast speed is because of its ability to impact and influence people through emotional resonance. Especially during a time when women's safety is a topic discussed in media sensationalism due to recently highlighted rape or sexual violence incidents, such fake viral claims often spark widespread public concern, causing emotional resonance to people and they unknowingly share or forward such messages in the spike of emotional and sensational appeal contained in such messages. The emotional nature of these viral texts often overrides scepticism, leading to immediate sharing without verification. 

Such nature of viral messages often tends to bring people to protest, raise awareness and create support networks, but in spite of emotional resonance people get targeted by misinformation and become the unintended superspreaders of fake news fueled by emotional and social media-driven reactions. Women’s safety in society is a sensitive topic and when people discover such viral claims to be misleading and fake, it often hurts the sentiments of society leading to significant social impacts, including distrust in social media, unnecessary panic and confusion.

CyberPeace Policy Vertical Advisory for Social Media Users

1. Think before Sharing: All netizens must practice caution while sharing anything and double-check its authenticity before sharing/forwarding or reposting it on your social media stories.
2. Don't be unintended superspreaders of Misinformation: Misinformation with emotional resonance and widespread sharing by netizens can lead to them becoming "superspreaders of misinformation" and making it viral quickly. Hence you must avoid such unintended consequences by following the best practices of being vigilant and informed by reliable sources. 
3. Exercise vigilance and scepticism: It is important that netizens exercise vigilance and they build cognitive abilities to recognise the red flags of misleading information. You can do so by following the official communication channels, looking for any discrepancy in the content of susceptible information and double-checking its authenticity before sharing it with anyone. 
4. Verify the information from official sources: Follow the official communication channels of concerned authorities for any kind of information, circulars, notifications etc. In case of finding any piece of information to be susceptible or misleading, intimate it to the relevant authority and the fact-checking organizations. 
5. Stay in touch with expert organizations: Cybersecurity experts and civil society organisations possess the unique blend of large-scale impact potential and technical expertise. Netizens can stay updated about recent developments in the tech-policy sphere and learn about internet best practices, and measures to counter misinformation through methods such as prebunking, debunking and more. 

Connect with CyberPeace

As an expert organisation, we have the ability to educate and empower huge numbers, along with the skills and policy acumen needed to be able to not just make people aware of the problem but also teach them how to solve it for themselves. At CyberPeace we regularly produce fact-check reports, blogs & advisories, and insights on prebunking & debunking measures and capacity-building programs with the aim of empowering netizens at the heart of our initiatives. CyberPeace has established the largest network of CyberPeace Corps volunteers globally. These volunteers play a crucial role in assisting victims, raising awareness, and promoting proactive measures. 

References: 

1. indiatvnews.com/fact-check/fact-check-are-police-providing-free-travel-services-to-women-at-night-know-truth-of-viral-claim-2024-08-28-949280#:~:text=What%20came%20out%20in%20fact,be%20cautious%20of%20these%20claims

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Introduction

Entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Global Education 2030 Agenda through the Sustainable Development Goal 4, UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning in collaboration with the Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies Unit has recently launched a Media and Information Literacy Course for Adult Educators. The course aligns with The Pact for The Future adopted at The United Nations Summit of the Future, September 2024 - asking for increased efforts towards media and information literacy from its member countries. The course is free for Adult Educators to access and is available until 31st May 2025.

The Course

According to a report by Statista, 67.5% of the global population uses the internet. Regardless of the age and background of the users, there is a general lack of understanding on how to spot misinformation, targeted hate, and navigating online environments in a manner that is secure and efficient. Since misinformation (largely spread online) is enabled by the lack of awareness, digital literacy becomes increasingly important. The course is designed keeping in mind that many active adult educators are yet to get an opportunity to hone their skills with regard to media and information through formal education. Self-paced, a total of 10 hours, this course covers basics such as concepts of misinformation and disinformation, artificial intelligence, and combating hate speech, and offers a certificate on completion. 

CyberPeace Recommendations

As this course is free of cost, can be done in a remote capacity, and covers basics regarding digital literacy, all eligible are encouraged to take it up to familiarise themselves with such topics. However, awareness regarding the availability of this course, alongside who can avail of this opportunity can be further worked on so a larger number can avail its benefits.

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CyberPeace Recommendations To Enhance Positive Impact  

1. Further Collaboration: As this course is open to adult educators, one can consider widening the scope through active engagement with Independent organisations and even Individual internet users who are willing to learn.
2. Engagement with Educational Institutions: After launching a course, an interactive outreach programme and connecting with relevant stakeholders can prove to be beneficial. Since this course requires each individual adult educator to sign up to avail the course, partnering with educational universities, institutes, etc. is encouraged. In the Indian context, active involvement with training institutes such as DIET (District Institute of Education and Training), SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), and Open Universities, etc. could be initiated, facilitating greater awareness and more participation.
3. Engagement through NGOs: NGOs (focused on digital literacy) with a tie-up with UNESCO, can aid in implementing and encouraging awareness. A localised language approach option can be pondered upon for inclusion as well.

Conclusion

Though a long process, tackling misinformation through education is a method that deals with the issue at the source. A strong foundation in awareness and media literacy is imperative in the age of fake news, misinformation, and sensitive data being peddled online. UNESCO’s course launch garners attention as it comes from an international platform, is free of cost, truly understands the gravity of the situation, and calls for action in the field of education, encouraging others to do the same.

References

1. ‍https://www.uil.unesco.org/en/articles/media-and-information-literacy-course-adult-educators-launched
2. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/celebrating-global-media-and-information-literacy-week-2024
3. https://www.unesco.org/en/node/559#:~:text=UNESCO%20believes%20that%20education%20is,must%20be%20matched%20by%20quality.