UP's New Digital Media Policy: Rewards and Risks

Influencer Compensation Structure

• New Digital Policy allows payment up to Rs 8 lakh per month to empanelled influencers
• Categorizes influencers into four tiers based on subscribers/followers

Payment structure varies by platform and content type:

• • Video/reels/podcasts: Rs 2-5 lakh per month
  • Written posts: Rs 5,000-10,000 per post, up to Rs 20,000-50,000 per month
• Payment based solely on views

Eligibility and Requirements

• Minimum two years of functioning required for empanelment
• Influencers must provide affidavit declaring no criminal cases against them

Categorization criteria:

• • Facebook/YouTube: 1 lakh to 10 lakh subscribers
  • X/Instagram: 1 lakh to 5 lakh followers

Content Regulation and Penalties

Information Director empowered to take action against:

• • Anti-national, anti-social, or indecent content
  • Content hurting societal sentiments
  • Misinformation about government schemes

Penalties may include:

• • FIR lodging
  • Post deletion
  • Revocation of empanelment
  • Discontinuation of advertisements
• Severe penalties for anti-national content, including potential life imprisonment

Policy Objectives and Government Perspective

• Aims to disseminate information about development and welfare schemes
• Targets residents of Uttar Pradesh, including those living outside the state
• Government claims policy will create employment opportunities
• BJP spokesperson praises policy as innovative, curbing rumor spread

Opposition and Criticism

• Opposition parties criticize policy as attempt to control social media
• Concerns raised about potential misuse of public funds
• Critics argue policy may stifle freedom of expression
• Fears of punitive action against content critical of government