Lucknow, March 23 (IANS) How does one prevent hate speeches and inflammatory videos from being shared through applications like WhatsApp and on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)? Well, that's what has stumped poll officials.
Having pronounced a strict code of conduct on use and misuse of social media during the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission (EC) is now faced with an unprecedented situation. This, officials say, is because the poll panel has not found ways to stop and prevent hate speeches, promotional campaigns or inflammatory videos from finding its way into public discourse through applications like WhatsApp and on BBM.
Senior poll panel officials confirmed the threat this poses to peaceful conduct and level playing field to all political players. They say they are in talks with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other security agencies to "figure out on what can be done best and swiftly".
"This is a situation we have at hand and we are trying to deal with it," confided a senior election commission official. He, however, added that the commission is working to find a solution.
For now, the police in Uttar Pradesh, has found a new way.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Public grievances), Satish Ganesh, says people found in possession of such clips would be hauled up and booked under various sections of the Indian penal Code (IPC).
The holder of such inflammatory clips, jokes, messages, campaigns on these modules may invite serious charges as holding them will be tantamount to disruption of public peace and harmony, Ganesh told IANS.
He added they will be dividing the cases in which such complaints are received in two categories. The first category is one whose mobile phones carry such video clips and the second category is one who forwards it to others.
Both acts are punishable and people will be booked for them, an official added. The decision of the state police has the endorsement of the poll panel, which says its mandate is to "ensure peaceful elections" and "anything that contributes to this is a welcome step".
A separate cell has also been formed to keep a tab on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and tech savvy officials have been asked to keep vigil on the material being posted on walls "across the board".
The cell will keep an eye on the FB accounts and Twitter handles of political leaders and candidates of all parties. EC officials say this has been done to ensure that no promotional campaigns without clearance from them finds its way into the virtual world.
"EC guidelines have to be adhered to in toto and we will do all that is needed for the same," said Umesh Sinha, chief electoral officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh.
As the poll panel and the security agencies sharpen their knives, the users will be haunted by the spectre of being booked for something so common - forwarding messages and clips!
Son of Sardaar 2 New Trailer: 'Sardaar' returns to create a ruckus again; New trailer is full of comedy, drama, and action
Bollywood action hero Ajay Devgan is ready to make a blast once again. The second trailer of 'Son of Sardar 2' has been released, and this time the trailer is full of funny style, emotional drama, and
L.C. Goyal assumes office as new Home Secretary (Lead)
New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) Senior IAS officer L.C. Goyal Thursday took over as the new union home secretary replacing Anil Goswami who was removed Wednesday.Goyal, a 1979 batch Indian Administrative
China does not want to lose Nepal at any cost, delegation meets PM Oli
The political crisis continues in Nepal. Recently Prime Minister KP Sharma OP sent a proposal to dissolve the house to President Bidya Devi Bhandari, which was accepted. Later, the Election Commission
Khargone Violence: More than 30 houses sold in two riots in Khargone, Hindu organizations are urging not to sell the property
After the riots are over in Khargone, the property game is happening. After the riot, the influential people of the riot-affected area started buying the houses of the victim side at throwaway prices.
American company fired 2,700 employees overnight: said on message and e-mail - no need to come from tomorrow, if you have any goods, of course, take them
A furniture-making company in Mississippi, USA fired 2,700 of its employees overnight. According to The Guardian newspaper, United Furniture Industries (UFI) texted and emailed employees at midnight
Cyclone Montha: Red alert issued in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, cold intensifies in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh; these states will experience torrential rain.
The impact of Cyclone Montha is being felt along the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Cyclone Montha, which formed in the
West Bengal Assembly Election: Jaya Bachchan arrives in Bengal to promote TMC, Nadda said - 'UP has not seen, will see here'
Kolkata
Rahul to tour UP, Andhra Pradesh April 25
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will be addressing public gatherings in Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh Friday (April 25), according to a statement issued by his
Russia told India special but expressed concern on one front
Amid speculation of increasing distance in relations between India and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavroff said on Monday that India is very special for Russia.
Two Madhya Pradesh policemen killed in shooting
Tikamgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Jan 5 (IANS) Two police officials were killed in a firing incident Monday in Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh district.Police suspect the incident took place when the
