Theme T167 · Internal Security

Social media, disinformation & public order: mob violence, IT Rules

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks fake news as a threat to public order and IT Rules amendments, social media and encrypted messaging, misuse by non-state actors, social networking risks, and mob violence.

Prepare these

• IT Rules 2021 and amendments
• Encryption and traceability debate
• Mob violence: Tehseen Poonawalla guidelines

Answer writing

• Balance rights and security

Directive words in these PYQs: Suggest (2), Discuss (1), Explain (1), Analyse (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS3-L18 — Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202610 marks · 150 wordsGS3-SEC-03-M2026-S01

   Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

   Also needs: T79 Freedom of speech & expression: hate speech, films, Section 66ACopyReport a typo
2. GS3202415 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SEC-03-M2024-Q20

   Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem.

   CopyReport a typo
3. GS32017GS3-SEC-03-M2017-S02

   Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence.

   Also needs: T62 Communalism, sect & radicalisationCopyReport a typo
4. GS32016GS3-SEC-03-M2016-S01

   Use of internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.

   CopyReport a typo
5. GS32013GS3-SEC-03-M2013-S02

   What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present?

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