• Social media companies are cooperating effectively with the Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs), which address appeals related to content complaints and takedowns, according to a news report.

• Earlier, the government urged social media intermediaries to act quickly against fake content to build public trust in grievance officers. It was also emphasized that GACs must work efficiently to resolve issues promptly, ensuring users can navigate the internet safely and with confidence.

Grievance Appellate Committee

• The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) was established under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. 

• Operational since January 2023, the GAC provides an online dispute resolution mechanism for users aggrieved by decisions of intermediaries' grievance officers. 

• The GAC endeavours to resolve appeals expeditiously, aiming to conclude them within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt.

• Presently, three GACs have been constituted, each comprising a chairperson and two whole-time members responsible for reviewing and adjudicating grievances, ensuring fair, transparent, and effective resolution of appeals.

The GAC operates digitally through its dedicated web portal (https://gac.gov.in), enabling users to:

i) File appeals online

ii) Track its status

iii) Receive timely updates on their grievances.

• The platform ensures seamless interaction between appellants and the committee, providing a user-friendly and efficient redressal process.

• GACs provide an additional layer of accountability and ensure that users’ voices are heard in cases of disputes with social media platforms.

• Smooth Cooperation: Social media firms like Meta, Google, and X (formerly Twitter) have largely complied with GAC rulings.

• GACs have received 2,454 appeals since October 2023, disposing of 2,347 cases.

• Meta reported 100 per cent compliance with the 271 GAC orders issued to it, while Google reported compliance in all but one case.

• Rising Appeal Numbers: Complaints are increasing exponentially, with impersonation and hacking being the most common issues raised.  

• Appeals are processed remotely with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)