What is the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC)?
The Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) is a committee formed under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which are established based on the Information Technology Act, 2000. The GAC is responsible for handling appeals from users (referred to as Digital Nagriks) who are dissatisfied with the decisions made by Grievance Officers of social media intermediaries and other intermediaries. The appeals primarily concern complaints lodged by users or victims regarding violations of the IT Rules and other matters related to the computer resources provided by the intermediary. The GAC ensures a fair and impartial resolution of these appeals, upholding the principles of accountability and adherence to the IT Rules.
When can an appeal be made by a user to the Grievance Appellate Committee?
(a) Hosting, displaying, etc., without having the right over information:
Intermediaries must take steps to prevent the unauthorized hosting or display of content for which they do not hold the necessary rights or permissions. This helps protect intellectual property and encourages fair use practices.
(b) Obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, or invasive of privacy:
Intermediaries should actively work to restrict the dissemination of content that is sexually explicit, pornographic, or invasive of individuals' privacy, particularly involving minors. Such efforts help protect vulnerable individuals and maintain a safe online environment.
(c) Insulting or objectionable content towards a gender, race, or ethnicity:
To foster inclusivity and combat discrimination, intermediaries are expected to take measures to discourage the hosting or dissemination of content that insults or discriminates against individuals based on their gender, race, or ethnicity.
(d) Encouragement of money laundering or gambling:
Intermediaries are required to prevent the hosting or promotion of content that relates to or encourages illegal activities such as money laundering or gambling. This helps maintain ethical standards and prevents financial crimes.
(e) Promotion of enmity on grounds of religion or caste:
To promote social harmony, intermediaries must take steps to discourage the dissemination of content that promotes hatred or enmity based on religion or caste.
(f) Content harmful to children:
Intermediaries have a responsibility to protect children from accessing harmful content, such as explicit violence, self-harm, or drug abuse. By implementing measures to restrict or remove such content, intermediaries contribute to the well-being and safety of young users.
(g) Violation of intellectual property rights:
Intermediaries should actively prevent the hosting or dissemination of content that infringes upon intellectual property rights, such as copyrighted material or trademark violations. This helps protect creators' rights and encourages respect for intellectual property.
(h) Misinformation and patently false or misleading information:
To combat the spread of misinformation, intermediaries are expected to make reasonable efforts to prevent the hosting or dissemination of false or misleading information. This promotes the dissemination of accurate and reliable content.
(i) Impersonation of another person:
Intermediaries should discourage the hosting or dissemination of content that impersonates or misrepresents another individual or entity. This helps protect personal identities and prevents fraud or misrepresentation.
(j) Threats to national security, public order, or international relations:
To ensure the stability and security of the nation, intermediaries must work to prevent the hosting or dissemination of content that threatens India's unity, integrity, defence, security, sovereignty, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order. This includes content that incites violence or promotes hatred.
(k) Prevention of the investigation of any offense:
Intermediaries should not host or disseminate information that obstructs or hinders the investigation of any offense. By cooperating with law enforcement agencies, intermediaries contribute to maintaining law and order.
(l) Information containing software design:
Intermediaries should take measures to prevent the hosting or dissemination of information that reveals software designs or trade secrets, as such disclosure may compromise security and intellectual property.
To file a complaint with the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC), follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website https://gac.gov.in
Go to the official website of the Grievance Appellate Committee. The website address will be provided in the relevant official notifications or announcements.
Step 2: Access the Complaint Portal
Once on the GAC website, look for the complaint portal or section specifically designated for filing complaints. It may be prominently displayed on the homepage or available under a dedicated section for grievances.
Step 3: Read Guidelines and Instructions
Before proceeding with your complaint, carefully read any guidelines, instructions, or FAQs provided on the website. These guidelines will help you understand the complaint process and provide clarity on the types of complaints that can be filed.
Step 4: Create an Account (if required)
Some complaint portals may require users to create an account before filing a complaint. If this is the case, follow the instructions to register and create your account. Provide the necessary information, such as your name, email address, and contact details.
Step 5: Fill in Complaint Details
Begin filling in the complaint form or template provided on the portal. Enter accurate and relevant information regarding your complaint. Be concise and specific while explaining the issue, ensuring all essential details are included.
Step 6: Attach Supporting Documents (if applicable)
If you have any supporting documents, such as screenshots, emails, or relevant evidence related to your complaint, upload them as attachments as per the instructions provided. These documents can strengthen your case and provide the committee with necessary evidence.
Step 7: Review and Submit
Once you have completed filling in the complaint details and attached any relevant documents, review your complaint thoroughly. Make sure all information is accurate, and the content is clear and concise. Take a final moment to verify that you have provided all the necessary information.
Step 8: Submit the Complaint
Click on the designated "Submit" or "File Complaint" button to officially submit your complaint to the Grievance Appellate Committee. The system may generate a confirmation message or reference number for your complaint. Make a note of this for future reference.
Step 9: Await Communication and Resolution
After submitting your complaint, the Grievance Appellate Committee will review it and proceed with the necessary actions. They will communicate with you through the contact details provided during the complaint filing process. It is essential to regularly check your email or other specified communication channels for updates.
Note: The exact steps and process may vary depending on the specific system and portal established by the Grievance Appellate Committee. It is advisable to follow the instructions provided on the official website and adhere to any additional guidelines or requirements specified.
