Every mobile user is a broadcaster, says I&B minister

Every mobile user is a content creator and broadcaster and has the moral responsibility to ensure the veracity of the information shared by them, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said in New Delhi on Thursday.

Addressing a symposium on the 'Emerging Trends and Technologies in Broadcasting Sector' on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress, Murugan said content was the 'hero' of the emerging broadcast revolution and anybody providing good quality content would be successful.

He said the government has recently approved establishing Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai to promote the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector and encourage film-makers to 'shoot in India', utilising the talent pool and locations across the country.

Murugan said that when a person publishes news or information, it is incumbent on him to authenticate it, verify it and ensure that it is correct.

"We have the social responsibility, we have the moral responsibility. Every mobile user and broadcaster must think carefully before broadcasting whether this news would affect anyone's personal life, whether it is against the nation. We have to carefully see this," the minister said.

Murugan stressed on the need to improve access to broadcasting services for vulnerable populations to ensure their inclusion in social, economic, and political spheres.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju highlighted the transformative potential of 5G, particularly when combined with immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

He said significant growth was expected in the AVGC-XR sector, which has the potential to boost startup culture, foster creativity, and enhance the experience of content consumption.

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti underscored the significant growth trajectory of the media and entertainment sector, which is projected to reach Rs 3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of new media platforms.

He emphasised the transformative power of immersive technologies, which provide a more engaging and interactive experience.