“Abetting Crime”: Centre Slams ‘X’ Over Airline Bomb Threats

FlightsThe Union Ministry of Electronics and IT today blasted social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, for “abetting crime” amid a barrage of bomb threats received by airlines over the past many days. The centre held the social media platforms, through which many of the hoaxes were circulated, responsible for the same.

During a virtual meeting with representatives of Vistara, Air India, and social media giants X and Meta, Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve questioned the social media representatives on the steps taken to prevent the dangerous and false rumours from spreading, reported NDTV.

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Social media platforms, including X, were suggested to use artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology to block accounts that send out bulk messages or posts about bombs.

Over 170 flights operated by Indian carriers received false bomb threats in the past nine days. The estimated losses for airlines due to such disruptions amounted to Rs 600 crore, according to media reports.

During a briefing on Monday, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated that the government is trying to handle the situation without compromising the safety of passengers. He also added that those circulating the hoax messages will face strict action, including being listed on a no-fly list.

The government reportedly plans to amend the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act to initiate action for offences when a flight is on the ground. Currently, the aviation security norms largely cover in-flight offences.

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Addressing speculations of a larger conspiracy behind the threats, Naidu said that a thorough investigation was underway on the matter.

The Delhi Police have registered eight separate FIRs in connection with bomb threats to more than 90 domestic and international flights over the past eight days. The threats messages were received through anonymous posts on X which were later suspended by the authorities, as per a senior police officer. He added that three accounts on the social media platform have been found involved in posting threat messages to fights.