Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Dec 07 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir police has issued comprehensive guidelines under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) to curb the misuse of social media platforms in Kashmir Valley.
The decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns about the spread of false information and the potential for social media to be used to incite violence or disturb public tranquility.
Under the newly implemented guidelines, social media platforms have been asked to prevent the dissemination of misleading or provocative content that could lead to law and order issues.
News agency KNS reported that the police have emphasized the need for responsible and lawful use of social media, urging residents to refrain from sharing unverified information, rumors, or content that could potentially disrupt public harmony.
The guidelines also highlight the importance of promoting a positive and constructive online environment.
Authorities have clarified that these measures are not aimed at restricting freedom of expression but are necessary to prevent the misuse of social media for malicious purposes.
Strict action will be taken against individuals found violating the restrictions.
Law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring social media platforms to identify and take prompt action against those spreading false information or engaging in activities that could pose a threat to public safety.
The move is part of a broader effort to safeguard the well-being of the community and ensure that social media remains a tool for positive communication rather than a source of misinformation and discord.
According to KNS, the Baramulla district police announced on Thursday that the recently issued guidelines aim to provide clear instructions to citizens on how to respond when encountering content related to terrorism, secessionism, threats, intimidation, or communally sensitive material on social media platforms.
Similar guidelines have been issued by several other districts in the Kashmir Valley over the past week.
These guidelines were introduced following a statement by Director General of Police R R Swain, who declared that posting content on social media that promotes disharmony will be considered a criminal offense in Jammu and Kashmir.
For that part of WhatsApp groups propagating terrorism, the police caution that presumption will be against individuals unless they opt out or report the group to the police.
Staying in such groups may be considered agreement and approval of their content, as per the guidelines.
Furthermore, the guidelines emphasize the importance of prompt reporting and responsible social media use to curb the dissemination of harmful content.
In some districts, authorities have taken steps to regulate unregistered news portals and social media news accounts. Kupwara district in north Kashmir was the first to issue guidelines under Section 144 CrPC, warning of action under Section 188 IPC for violations.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan directed unregistered news portals to adhere to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules or face punitive action under the law. This order, effective immediately, aims to hold unregistered online news portals accountable for their content and brings them in line with the Code of Ethics outlined in the rules.
The decision to issue such guidelines follows concerns raised by the senior superintendent of police of Kupwara regarding the proliferation of unregistered online news portals and social media pages disseminating news and current affairs without proper verification and accountability. (KNS)