Zero tolerance approach against unlawful social media activities, warn AP police

Vijayawada: Police have registered 1,549 cases in the last one year on those engaged in unlawful social media activities. While 1,344 persons have been arrested, 4,529 derogatory posts were identified and taken down. Underscoring a zero tolerance approach to the menace of social media abuse, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, who held a high-level review meeting in Amaravati on Tuesday, said several individuals and organised groups have been actively circulating derogatory content, politically motivated posts, communally sensitive messages, rumours and misinformation across various social media platforms. He warned that such activities not only mislead the public but also pose a serious threat to peace and social harmony.Police have invoked provisions under the Information Technology Act, and stringent sections related to organised crime under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused persons and groups. Officials indicated that sections under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita would be applied where necessary, including provisions like trial in absentia to ensure that the offenders are punished. Repeat offenders and organised networks will face legal consequences, including account blocking and advanced tracking measures, even if they attempt to remain anonymous. To further strengthen enforcement, a dedicated social media monitoring unit equipped with AI-based tools, sentiment analysis, real-time surveillance, OSINT techniques, and digital forensics has been established.Police urged citizens to act responsibly online, verify information before sharing, and refrain from spreading unverified content, warning that violations will invite strict and unavoidable legal action.