Kerala Police File Case Against Vloggers and Social Media Platforms for Attempted Extortion
In a groundbreaking move, the Kerala police have registered a case against several vloggers and social media platforms for their alleged involvement in posting negative reviews of a newly released Malayalam film, with the aim of extorting money. This marks the first instance of such a case being filed, following the Kerala High Court’s recent recognition of concerns raised by filmmakers regarding review bombing for extortion purposes.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over the bench, emphasized the urgency of curbing anonymous sources’ negative reviews and urged the central government to address the matter. The Kerala police have assured the implementation of protocols to counteract maliciously motivated reviews.
The case has been registered by the Kochi City police against nine individuals, including vloggers and popular social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. The charges against them include extortion under section 385 of the Indian Penal Code and causing nuisance under section 120 (o) of the Kerala Police Act. The registration of the case is linked to the derogatory review of the film Rahel Makan Kora, directed by Ubaini Ebrahim.
Speaking about the detrimental impact of dubious reviewers on the film industry, Mubeen Rauf, director of the newly released film Aaromalinte Adyathe Pranayam, approached the High Court to address this concern.
The move by the Kerala police signifies a significant step towards safeguarding artists and filmmakers against malicious practices on social media platforms. The case serves as a warning to vloggers and reviewers engaging in extortion attempts through negative reviews.
While it is essential to protect freedom of speech and expression, it is equally important to discourage individuals from misusing these rights for personal gain. With the case now registered, it is expected that the investigation will shed light on the extent of extortion efforts in the film industry and bring those responsible to justice.
Efforts are underway to strike a balance between enabling constructive criticism and preventing the misuse of online platforms to harm the reputation and financial stability of filmmakers. The implementation of stricter regulations and guidelines could help in minimizing the impact of extortion attempts and safeguarding the interests of the film industry as a whole.
In an age where social media wields significant influence over public opinion, it becomes imperative to ensure that reviews are authentically sourced, constructive, and based on genuine perspectives. This case highlights the need for social media platforms to adopt measures that verify the authenticity of reviewers and prevent the exploitation of genuine opinions by those seeking personal gain.
As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial for the judiciary and the government to collaborate effectively in order to establish robust mechanisms that protect artists and filmmakers while preserving the fundamental rights of freedom of expression. The outcome of this case has the potential to set a precedent and usher in a new era of accountability for both reviewers and social media platforms alike.
While the actions taken against the vloggers and social media platforms might be seen as exemplary, it is equally important to respect the right to critique, ensuring that a healthy ecosystem for opinions to thrive is maintained. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between accountability and freedom of expression, which will require a thoughtful and considered approach from all stakeholders involved.
As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that this case becomes a turning point in addressing the issue of maliciously motivated reviews and serves as a deterrent to those attempting to extort from the film industry. The artists and filmmakers of Kerala can now look forward to an environment that fosters genuine feedback and constructive criticism, free from the risk of exploitation.
