Suryaa Andhra Pradesh Desk: Ananthapuram: Strict action will be taken as per law if false campaigns, false news and rumors are spread on social media in the wake of municipal election polling... Ananthapuram: District SP P said strict action will be taken as per law if false campaigns, false news and rumors are spread on social media in the wake of municipal election polling. Jagadish IPS warned. It is advised not to engage in activities such as posting, sending messages, forwarding unconfirmed information to others in order to disrupt the election process, create panic among the people, disturb peace and order. He asked everyone to act responsibly to conduct the elections peacefully and transparently. It has been clarified that the information circulated on social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X etc. should be trusted only after verification by official sources. He stated that there is a risk of creating unnecessary confusion among the people and spoiling the election atmosphere by sending unconfirmed news to others believing it to be true.
He warned that comments inciting caste, religion and class differences, baseless accusations against individuals, morphed photos, videos, fake advertisements and dissemination of false election information will lead to legal action. Attempts to mislead people by deliberately spreading unconfirmed news related to political parties and candidates will not be tolerated, he said. It has been revealed that the police department is keeping a special vigil on the use of social media during the elections. It has been explained that appropriate monitoring measures are being taken to detect posts that create confusion among people, provocative messages and propaganda that disrupts peace and order. He clarified that people who spread false information in violation of election rules will be identified and cases will be registered and action will be taken based on the seriousness of their actions, relevant evidence and applicable legal provisions. Admins of social media groups should be vigilant: The SP has suggested that administrators of WhatsApp and other social media groups should be vigilant about the information being circulated in their groups. He said that appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of false news, false campaigns and provocative messages related to elections. He warned that if it is found that the group administrators have a role in deliberately promoting, spreading or aiding in the activities of false information, there is a possibility of taking action against them as per the relevant laws.
However, it is clarified that the legal responsibility is determined based on the character of the persons, circumstances, available evidence and applicable rules. The SP asked the leaders of the political parties, the candidates in the election ring, their followers and the people to follow the election rules. It is advised to make good use of social media in the process of democracy and avoid personal insults, baseless accusations and hateful comments. He said that if any suspicious information related to the election is found, they should know the facts through official announcements instead of sending it to others immediately. The district SP said that people should exercise restraint and cooperate with the police department and everyone should do their part to conduct the municipal elections in a peaceful environment without any untoward incident. Jagdish appealed. Kalyanadurgam Town Reporter :Boya Rangaswamy.