Jammu, April 17 — Posting or sharing doctored videos, hate speech, or communally sensitive content on social media in Jammu district will attract legal action, including imprisonment of up to three years, officials said on Friday.
District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning the posting, forwarding, or circulation of such content for a period of 60 days with immediate effect.
The order applies to all individuals within the district’s jurisdiction and extends to content posted from outside if it impacts public order in Jammu.
Officials said the directive prohibits multiple categories of online activity, including content promoting enmity between communities on grounds of religion, caste, language or region; circulation of morphed or out-of-context videos and images; spreading rumours related to law and order; and using social media to mobilise mob violence.
Violations will invite action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000. “Promoting enmity between groups… carries up to three years' imprisonment or fine, or both,” the order states. It adds that offences affecting the sovereignty and integrity of India may attract stricter penalties, including longer jail terms.
The restrictions cover all major platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram.
Administrators and moderators of social media groups and channels have been made jointly responsible for preventing the circulation of prohibited content. Social media intermediaries have been directed to act promptly on takedown requests through the government’s Sahyog platform, failing which they may lose legal protections.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been tasked with ensuring registration of FIRs against violators, while the Cyber Crime Unit will conduct round-the-clock monitoring of online platforms. Monitoring cells will also be set up at the sub-divisional level.
Officials said residents have been advised to refrain from sharing inflammatory material and report such content to authorities.
The reason for issuing the order was not specified. The restrictions will remain in force for 60 days unless modified or withdrawn earlier.