How does one
prevent hate speeches and inflammatory videos from being shared through
applications like WhatsApp and on BlackBerry Messenger ? 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 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 (.
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 said.
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 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.
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