Social media groups in Kupwara asked to register with DC office

Srinagar, Mar 4: The district magistrate of Kupwara has issued a circular that mandates the registration of WhatsApp news groups and Facebook pages with an aim to curb the rumours.

Following the order issued by the district magistrate on March 1, the administrators of the social media groups are asked to register with deputy commissioner’s office Kupwara within 15 days.

“Whereas it has been noticed in recent times that rumour mongering by anti-social elements has increased through social media elements which may lead to law and order problems, breach of peace and spreading of hatred among communities in the district as well as in the state,” the circular reads.

It says, “In order to maintain a peaceful and congenial atmosphere in the district, there is an immediate need/requirement to prevent the circulation of false/fake news/information and rumours through whatsapp groups and other social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.”

The order mentions that the registered groups will also be monitored by the authority in the view of parliamentary/assembly elections 2019.

The order states, “It is imperative to monitor distribution of content on all media platforms including social media to prohibit circulation of unconfirmed pieces of information, fake news rumours, gossip, managing unofficial information for which a dedicated Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has also been constituted by the office to maintain a conducive environment for free and fair elections.”
It further says that administrators will be held accountable under law for any such conduct resulting in incidents.