Think twice before becoming administrator of a group on WhatsApp or
Facebook as one is liable for prosecution if any rumour or fake news is
circulated on it.
Social media platforms allow a person to create a group on which members can share views, photographs or videos.
Concerns have been raised about social media misuse as fake news,
morphed photographs and disturbing videos with fabricated local
narratives can easily be circulated that can trigger tension and even
communal rift in an area.
In a joint order issued by District Magistrate Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and
Senior Superintendent of Police Nitin Tiwari, it has been made clear
that any factually incorrect, rumour or misleading information on a
social media group could result in an FIR against the group
administrator.
"There are several groups on social media which are named on news groups
and also groups with other names which are propagating news and
information which is not authentic. These are being forwarded without
cross checking," it said.
Considering this issue, directives are being issued to social media
groups, WhatsApp and Facebook group administrators and members, the
order said.
There are over 200 million WhatsApp users in India.
It directed that social media group administrators should be ready to bear the responsibility and ownership of the groups.
The administrator must include only those members who are personally known to him or her.
If any statement is made by a group member which is fake, can cause
religious disharmony, or rumour, the group admin must deny it on the
group and remove the member from the group, the order said.
"In the event of inaction from the group admin, he or she will be
considered guilty and action will be taken against the group admin," it
said.
Such a post must also be reported to the nearest police station so that
action can be taken against the member under the law, it said.
The order, issued yesterday, says while freedom of expression on social
media is important, it also comes with a responsibility.
Varanasi is the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The administration has directed that no statement or post which can hurt
religious sentiments should be forwarded to any other group or person
else legal action will be taken.
It also directs that case under cyber crime law, Information Technology
Act and IPC will be filed in case of violation of these guidelines.
The order also makes it clear that orders of the Supreme Court and
various high courts will be considered while initiating action.
It needs to be seen how Varanasi police which is facing severe staff
crunch implements such an order as WhatsApp and social media are not
limited to the boundaries of the district.
Source : The Economic Times
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