Hyderabad: To avoid misuse of social media that can trigger tension and even a communal rift in an area, Cyber Crime Police are going to get tough for admins of WhatsApp.
Admins of the WhatsApp group may land in jail for the mistake committed by any member of the group. If any member of the group posts any offensive post that could promote enmity on grounds of religion, caste, nationality, race, language and gender, admins will be held accountable and can be arrested.
According to the news published in Telangana Today, now, it became the responsibility of admins to remove troublesome members and report to the police in case of mischief. Members trying to malign anyone else, within or outside the group, too can invite troubles for admins.
Talking on this issue, U Ram Mohan, SP, Cybercrime said that it is the admins’ responsibility to ensure that no content is posted that could promote enmity on grounds of religion, caste, nationality, race, language and gender. He further said that circulating such messages is a cognizable offence and it is the responsibility of the admins to take preventative measures. If they fail to take preventative measures, they may be arrested under Section 153A of IPC.
Commenting on this, Swathi Lakra, Additional Commissioner (Crimes & SIT) said that WhatsApp had become a means for spreading rumours and objectionable content. She further said that sharing picture of anyone without his/her consent is a crime under IT Act and IPC.