'Can't get away by saying we don't have technology': SC asks Centre to frame guidelines to curb social media misuse

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked Centre to file an affidavit within three weeks for giving a definite timeline to framing statutory guidelines to curb misuse of social media.

"We can't get away by saying that we don't have a technology to track originators of online crime. If there is a technology to do it, then there is a technology to stop it," Supreme Court told Centre.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Telecom, IT and Law Ravi Shankar Prasad said there is need to propel India to new digital heights.

"There is a need of homegrown technology, digital governance is good governance," he added.

"Facebook wanted to setup Free Basics in India which looked very attractive, but when we looked closely, we understood if we walked into that door, we would have been giving all personal data for free," the Union Minister said.

Ravi Shankar Prasad further said, "want India to become the power in data analytics. India should become a good Centre of data refinery in safe and secure conditions. Idea of India is to have a blend of data availability, utility, innovation and privacy." 

"If we want to achieve this, we need good FDI in the sector," he said.

On the recent corporate tax rate cut, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "the government can change taxation and regulations. The recent taxation change will attract FDI in India and Apple is aware of that. I have already said that Apple has actively started manufacturing in India."