Maharashtra Police asks WhatsApp group admins to monitor objectionable content
The police in the Parbhani district of Maharashtra is asking the admins of WhatsApp chat groups to ensure that no objectionable content is circulated in the group and to monitor what group members are posting. According to District Superintendent of Police Dilip Zalke, the move comes after some people recently reported incidents of defamatory content going viral through WhatsApp.
Objectionable content includes anything promoting social disharmony
In the warning that is being issued to group admins against perpetration of false and derogatory information through WhatsApp, content which will be deemed objectionable includes texts, pictures, audio, and video clips about iconic or historical figures, places of worship, anything that may hurt religious sentiments, and anything promoting sedition or social disharmony.
Police to summon WhatsApp group admins personally
"We have issued a letter to all police stations, asking them to summon WhatsApp group admins in their areas in person, and tell them that they should avoid such content in the group," Parbhani Sub Divisional Police Officer Sanjay Pardeshi said.
Posting such content will be registered as a criminal offense
If any such content is found on the chat group, the police has asked WhatsApp admins to report the matter, adding that even forwarding objectionable content is a crime as it is considered propagation. "If any objectionable content is found to be circulated on a WhatsApp group, offenses under the IPC as well as the Information Technology Act will be registered," Pardeshi said.
