Andhra Pradesh takes a major decision after the Nepal-Ladakh violence; strict monitoring of social media now

National News: The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a committee to curb the spread of rumors on social media. Several state ministers are included in this committee. Its purpose is to ensure that no false news or inflammatory content reaches the public. The government deemed this necessary following the recent violence in Nepal and Ladakh, where social media was seen as a major factor in the spread of violence.

This new committee of the Naidu government includes IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Housing and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. These ministers will jointly monitor social media platforms. The government wants online platforms to understand their responsibility and prevent the spread of news that harms the public.

Learning from violence

The role of social media was clearly visible in the recent violence in Nepal and Ladakh. Misinformation and inflammatory posts incited youth, worsening the situation. In light of this, Andhra Pradesh has decided to take preemptive action. The government wants to stop rumors as soon as they start, maintaining peace in society. If misinformation is detected early, major incidents can be avoided. The administration believes that digital platforms should be used responsibly. This is why the government is planning to monitor social media thoroughly.

What is the real work of the committee?

This new committee will examine existing laws, international regulations, and the responsibilities of social media companies. Their job will be to determine which posts could incite tension in society and which news is false. The committee may also seek answers from social media companies as to why they failed to take timely action. Furthermore, the committee will determine where stricter action is necessary. If a platform repeatedly violates the rules, it could be fined. The committee will also present a monthly report to inform the public about how much fake news has been stopped.

Citizens will get benefits

The government says this step will benefit the general public. By curbing misinformation, panic will be less prevalent and lives will be endangered. People will be confident that the information they read on social media is accurate and responsibly sourced. Furthermore, this step will prevent children and youth from being misled. False rumors often incite violence, leading to loss of life and property. Citizens will feel more secure, and social stability will be maintained.

What the opposition says

However, opposition parties argue that the government can use this committee to restrict public expression. They allege that the real purpose is to silence critics. However, the government maintains that the committee exists solely to curb fake news and rumors, not to suppress public voices. The opposition believes this decision could endanger democratic freedoms. They argue that the government should tolerate criticism, not suppress it. Meanwhile, the ruling party argues that responsible use of social media is essential, and this step is in that direction.

Examples for other states

This move by Andhra Pradesh could set an example for other states across the country. If this committee works effectively, other states may also form similar committees. Stopping misinformation on social media has become a major challenge nationwide. These days, every small issue spreads online and escalates into a major controversy. If rumors are curbed in time, many major crises can be averted. This move by the Andhra government could also lay the foundation for a national policy in the future.