IT Ministry Accuses X Of 'Abetting Crime' By Allowing Bomb Threats To Airlines To Spread Unchecked On Social Media

Amid a surge of bomb threats targeting airlines in recent days, the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT has sharply criticised social media platform X, where many of these hoaxes have been circulating, according to NDTV sources.

During a virtual meeting led by Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve, representatives from airlines and social media companies like X and Meta were questioned about their response to the spread of such false information.

Bhondve stated that the Elon Musk-owned platform was effectively "abetting crime" by allowing these threats to propagate unchecked.

Over the past several days, more than 120 flights operated by Indian airlines have received bomb threats. As recently as yesterday, 30 flights from IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India were affected.

In response, airlines have followed standard procedures, alerting authorities and enforcing security protocols. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held a briefing on Monday.

He assured that the government is addressing the situation while prioritizing passenger safety. He warned that those responsible for spreading hoaxes would face strict consequences, including placement on a no-fly list.

The government is also working to amend the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, extending its scope to cover offenses that occur when an aircraft is on the ground, as current regulations mainly focus on in-flight incidents.

"Legal teams are working on these changes, and consultations with other ministries are ongoing," Naidu said, emphasising the push to make such acts cognizable offenses.

While discussing the possibility of a coordinated effort behind the bomb threats, the minister refrained from drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete.

However, he acknowledged the significant disruption caused by these threats, which have led to the diversion of multiple flights, including international ones.

Naidu assured that the government is closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies and adjusting its approach to address the situation. "We are continuously learning and assessing each case. Safety remains our top priority," he stated.

Security measures at airports have been intensified, with increased CCTV surveillance and more thorough checks at security points. "We are not compromising on safety," he affirmed.