Uttar Pradesh's government approves a Digital Media Policy 2024, incentivizing influencers with state ads and strict penalties for objectionable content.
Uttar Pradesh's government has approved the 'Digital Media Policy 2024', aiming to incentivize social media influencers by providing them with state advertisements to promote the government's achievements and schemes. Influencers will be categorized based on their follower or subscriber count and can potentially earn up to ₹8 lakh per month. The policy also includes strict penalties for objectionable content, with potential jail sentences ranging from three years to life terms for those found guilty of sharing anti-national posts. The policy will prepare a list of social media influencers, agencies, and firms under four categories, with payment based on the category. The policy aims to enhance the government's online presence while deterring undesirable content and has sparked debates about its implications for freedom of expression.