The Manipur government on Monday announced that it will not allow social media platforms to host any information that it identifies as “fake, lies, rumours or misinformation,” which can worsen the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
An order issued by the State Home department warned that the government would not hesitate to act as per law against those found involved in such activities.
The measure is being taken following reports that a number of individuals in responsible positions with large followings on social media were observed to be directly involved in generating or sharing information found to be fake news, lies, rumours or misinformation in connection with the ongoing law and order situation in Manipur.
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Generating such wrong information has the potential to worsen the current situation in the state by misguiding public opinion, instigating violence, and rebelling against state authorities with or without the use of arms, leading to death, casualties on bodies, destruction, and damage to properties, thereby hindering efforts of the government to restore peace and normalcy, it stated.
It advised the public to verify any information before sharing or publishing it on any social media platform or through any medium, by means of any tool whatsoever, whether physical, virtual, audio-visual, or electronic.
The order further mentioned that the generation or spreading of wrong information will amount to sedition and is sought to be curtailed.
It proclaimed that no person will be immune to prosecution under the laws of the country if he or she is found generating or spreading fake news, lies, rumours or misinformation. The government will not hesitate to act as per law against those involved in such activities, which can worsen the law and order situation in the state, it warned.
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