Bihar Government Introduces New Rules for Social Media and Web Platforms

Patna: The Bihar government has introduced the “Bihar Social Media and Other Online Media Rules, 2024,” aimed at enhancing the dissemination of government policies and public welfare initiatives through a wide range of digital platforms. Approved by the state cabinet on November 14, 2024, the new guidelines will streamline the process for publishing advertisements on both international platforms and major social media networks, as well as news portals, web media, mobile apps, and podcasts.

The rules set eligibility criteria based on a platform’s monthly unique users for web media, and subscribers or followers for social media. Data authenticity will be verified through internationally recognised tools, such as Google Analytics and Comscore for web media, and native analytics of respective platforms for social media.

In a bid to ensure compliance with ethical standards, the regulations include provisions for delisting or blacklisting platforms that publish content deemed anti-national, indecent, or divisive. Any content that contradicts the guidelines of the Press Council of India or the government’s communication policies may also lead to such actions.

With the new rules in place, the Bihar government aims to communicate its programs more effectively and rapidly, ensuring that its messages reach a broader audience through various digital mediums.