WhatsApp group admins may land in jail for offensive posts

 

VARANASI: To avoid misuse of  social media that can trigger tension and even a communal rift in an area the new government in Varanasi has issued an order on Thursday that  anyone posting a rumour, a fake news story or disturbing videos  on WhatsApp or  Facebook  the group admin will land up in jail. 

 

The District Magistrate of Varanasi Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and Senior Superintendent of police Nitin Tiwari issued a joint order in which 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.

 

It is directed that social media group administrators must add only the members whom they know personally and if any member make fake statement that cause religious disharmony, or rumour, the group admin must remove the member from the group and report the post to the nearest police station so that action can be taken against the member under the law.

 

In case of violation of these guidelines a case will be registered under cyber crime law, Information Technology Act and IPC.