Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 'threat to freedom of speech': Cong

The Congress on Friday alleged that the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill was a direct threat to freedom of speech and the independent media and claimed that it would pave the way for "excessive surveillance" online.

The Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera urged people to raise their voice against what he termed as "government's tyranny".

While several people on social media have also been voicing their concern about certain reported provisions in the proposed law, the government has said the bill was still in the drafting stage and the stakeholders' consultation was underway.

"The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill is a direct threat to our freedom of speech and independent media," Khera alleged.

"Here's why we all must raise our voice against the government's tyranny: Increased government control over content creators, from social media influencers to independent news outlets, threatens the independence of the press and restricts free speech," the