Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal today said internet which has emerged as a powerful medium should be used for empowerment and not disruption.

"This is the ultimate analysis, the medium is for empowerment, it is not for disruption. Any technology can be used in any way, like an atom can create electricity or have Hiroshima. It’s the atom that provides the solution.

"The Internet is that kind of energy of millions of atoms. Those atoms should be used for the good of mankind," he said while speaking at Google's Big Tent Activate Summit here.

On his views on self-regulation, Sibal said it was difficult to govern anybody on the net and that the rules will have to be self-imposed.

"It’s a platform where we need to talk to each other on a daily basis. And also adhere to certain rules of the game. You cannot play cricket without rules, you cannot play baseball without rules.

"Now those rules have to be self-imposed ...Internet governance to me is an oxymoron. How can you govern anybody on the net, you cannot. The net must govern itself," Sibal added.

When asked on his reference to self regulation, Sibal later told reporters on the sidelines "Anybody, it could be television people. Anybody, everybody who disseminates news.”

The summit is being held to discusses issues related to the Internet and its impact on economy, politics, culture and society in India.

During his address, the Minister also said the Internet has no boundaries and it has the resources to connect the society.

Emphasising on the need for self-regulation on sharing information on the Internet, Sibal said that media needs to realise its role in sharing news, which should "empower" people and not cause "disruption".

"Tera to haq hai khabar chalana, kuch mere bhi haq hain mat bhool jana (your job is to run news, but do not forget about my rights)," he added.