Nasir Ali
Srinagar : In response to the Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain’s recent caution on the legal repercussions of posting prejudicial content on social media, credible sources have indicated that the Government has devised a comprehensive strategy to tackle the rising issue of social media abuse.
Almost a week after District Magistrates of Kupwara, Shopian and Kulgam asked the netizens in the respective districts to refrain from all sorts of misuse of social-media platforms, the District Magistrates of three more districts Anantnag, Budgam and Bandipora too have directed the social-media not to indulge in any activity prejudicial to the security of state or in any way to maintenance of law and order.
The three District Magistrates have more or less expressed similar observations regarding the alleged misuse of social-media networking platforms by the netizens, read order copies
The spread of fake news on social media indeed has significant adverse effects on society, as it can contribute to misinformation, public confusion, and even pose threats to democratic processes. Governments recognizing and taking action against the dissemination of fake news is a response aimed at addressing these concerns. Fake news can be used to manipulate public opinion and influence elections, posing a threat to the democratic process. Governments may see the need to safeguard the integrity of elections and public decision-making.
False information, especially during crises or emergencies, can lead to panic and harm public safety. For example, misinformation about health issues can have serious consequences.
Fake news that spreads hate speech or false narratives about certain communities can contribute to social unrest and harm the overall harmony within a society. Governments may seek to prevent such divisions. False information that undermines national security or spreads rumors about potential threats can have serious repercussions.
However, the district magistrates have observed that it has been made to appear that some anti-national persons or groups are resorting to misuse of social-media networking platforms on internet by ‘preparing’ or ‘posting’ or ‘spreading’ or ‘propagating’ by way of ‘forwarding’ or ‘sharing’ incendiary messages and propoganda of terrorist and separatist outfits.
Such activities, the orders read, are being carried out with intention to; a) Glorify terrorist and their actions; b) Intimidate and terrorise individuals or general public or sections of public; c) Exhort member(s) of public to resort to violence by inciting, encouraging and spreading disaffection/hatred d) Propagate terrorist and secessionist ideology and false narratives and e) Promoting fell of hatred, ill-will on religious ground and likely to disturb public order and tranquility.
“Such acts on part of these anti-national persons or groups are prejudicial to the security of the state, maintenance of law and order and are likely to disturb the public tranquility”, read the orders adding “such acts on the part of these anti-national persons or groups are aimed at terrorising common citizens and public functionaries from discharging their lawful duties.”
“In exercise of powers conferred upon me (District Magistrate) by section 144 Cr.P.C 1973, I, District Magistrate, do hereby prohibit and order the general public to refrain from ‘posting’ or ‘uploading’ or ‘propagating’ by way of ‘forwarding’ or ‘sharing’ any messages or content as mentioned with immediate effect within the limits of the (district)”, read the orders.
“The orders will come into force with immediate effect”, the respective order copies read further.