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Key Points

Leh district has implemented sweeping social media restrictions to combat misinformation and maintain public order. The District Magistrate's order prohibits sharing unverified content across multiple platforms, targeting potential disruptions to law and peace. This comes after recent violent incidents that resulted in four deaths and over 100 injuries. The administration is taking proactive steps to restore normalcy and promote responsible digital communication.

Key Points: Leh Cracks Down on Fake News Social Media Restrictions

  • District bans social media content sharing under Section 163 of BNSS
  • Administrators must monitor and delete inflammatory posts
  • Violators face legal action for spreading misinformation
  • High-level security meeting reviews recent unrest in Ladakh
2 min read

Leh district cracks down on fake news, social media restrictions imposed

Leh District Magistrate imposes strict social media controls to prevent misinformation and maintain public order after recent violent incidents

"We must ensure responsible digital behaviour to safeguard peace - Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta"

Leh, Oct 9

In a move to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public order, the District Magistrate of Leh, Romil Singh Donk, has issued a sweeping order prohibiting the circulation of fake news, rumours, and unverified content across social media platforms within the district.

The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, comes in the wake of recent unrest and the restoration of internet services after a two-week suspension.

The order, effective immediately and valid for two months or until further notice, targets platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube.

It mandates that no individual shall share, forward, or create any misleading or unverified content that could potentially disrupt law and order in Leh.

Social media group administrators have been specifically instructed to monitor their groups vigilantly. They are required to delete any content deemed fake or inflammatory and activate the "Admin Only" messaging control on WhatsApp to prevent unauthorised posts.

Violators will face strict legal action under applicable laws. This crackdown follows violent incidents in late September that left four dead and over 100 injured, prompting a district-wide internet shutdown on September 24.

With services now restored, authorities are taking proactive steps to prevent further escalation. The administration has also launched a magisterial inquiry into the violence, led by SDM Nubra Mukul Beniwal, urging public cooperation to ensure transparency.

Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting earlier on Thursday, expressing satisfaction over the return to normalcy.

He praised the resilience and unity of Ladakh's citizens and emphasised the importance of responsible digital behaviour in safeguarding peace.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) recently debunked a viral AI-manipulated video falsely claiming that activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on orders from the Union Home Ministry.

Officials warned that such deepfakes are part of a growing threat to public trust and urged citizens to verify information before sharing.

Meanwhile, authorities restored Internet services in Leh district over two weeks after the violence that left four people dead and over 100 injured, on Thursday. The Internet services in Leh were suspended on September 24.

As Ladakh moves forward, the administration remains committed to ensuring safety, stability, and inclusive development, with a renewed focus on youth empowerment and sustainable tourism.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need to control misinformation, I hope this doesn't become a tool to suppress genuine criticism. Freedom of expression is equally important. We need balanced approach.
A
Arjun K
As a WhatsApp group admin myself, I welcome these guidelines. It's become so difficult to manage groups with random forwards. Admin-only mode is much needed! 🙏
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Sarah B
The AI-manipulated videos are really concerning. My elderly relatives keep forwarding such content thinking it's real. Digital literacy programs are needed across India.
V
Vikram M
After what happened in September with 4 deaths, this was necessary. Peace in Ladakh is crucial for national security. Hope people cooperate with the administration.
M
Meera T
Good initiative but implementation will be key. How will they distinguish between fake news and genuine concerns? Need clear guidelines to avoid misuse.
D
David E
The two-week internet suspension must have been really tough for businesses and students. Hope these measures prevent future shutdowns while maintaining peace.

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