Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With anti-social elements increasingly using social media platforms for hate speech, spreading rumours, fake news, malicious information and content, Bhopal Police will strengthen monitoring of social media platforms and will constitute a special Social Media Monitoring Cell.
However, a group of cops, expert in handling social media platforms are already keeping a watch on social media platforms, police officials said. The cops said that 17 cases of misuse of social media were registered in 2024.
The cases include posts and comments hurting sentiments of different religious groups and communities, objectionable posts and comments against national leaders, religious leaders or persons. Moreover, the cases include contents defaming individuals through posting morphed photographs and videos through social media and WhatsApp.
With such cases on rise with widespread use of social media, a Social Media Monitoring Cell has been proposed in the New Year. The cell will keep strict watch on spread and control of rumours along with fake news and information which may disturb peace and hurt sentiments of people.
The cell will coordinate with other departments and will ensure immediate action against those involved. Control on rumours and fake news will help in maintaining law and order, police officials added. Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra said police is already active in keeping watch on objectionable contents on social media.
Instant action has been taken in incidents where objectionable comments, posts, messages or videos have been uploaded on social media platforms. Moreover, a guideline has been issued in the New Year urging people to use social media with caution and stay away from circulating or reposting of objectionable and malicious contents, he added.
Psychiatrist approached police for obscene messages
A psychiatrist approached cops at Idgah Hills police station in November, last year with complaint that her photograph was circulated on social media with obscene messages to defame her.
Some persons surrounded Berasia police station alleging that some youths send obscene messages to a minor girl of a different community in November last year. The accused were later arrested by the police. Shahjehanabad police arrested one Nafees Khan for making objectionable comments against Hindu organisations in December, 2023.
