In order to take effective action against circulation of ‘baseless’ content on social media, the Akhilesh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh has asked social networking site, Twitter, to remove some objectionable content in connection with the Dadri mob attack, which led to the death of a 50-year-old man for allegedly eating beef last week.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed by the state police.
Copy of the FIR filed at the Saharanpur police against the baseless allegations/rumours spread on social media. pic.twitter.com/3jvsJnRmOe
— Government of UP (@UPGovt) October 4, 2015
According to officials, some tweets were made from a twitter handle being operated from Noida with the motive of disturbing communal harmony and spreading hatred.
“The Chief Minister has directed to take stern action against elements creating disharmony and inciting hatred by circulating baseless content on social media, especially Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter,” said a Samajwadi Party spokesperson.
The state administration has also asked people to inform it on 9454401002 if they came across any such cases on social networking websites and applications. The identity of the informer would be kept secret.
The district authorities are faced with another problem of hacking with trouble makers using fake identities to spread rumours. With many leaders making a beeline to the village, entry of politicians or others who could create ruckus has also been restricted.