In a determined effort to address the spread of derogatory and provocative content on social media, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched an extensive crackdown on posts deemed offensive and harmful. The police have already flagged over 1,500 social media accounts and detained more than 100 account holders across the state. The crackdown has led to significant protests from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP), who claim that the police are making politically motivated arrests, targeting YCP leaders and supporters.
This action is a response to the escalating incidence of posts targeting government officials, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Home Minister. The Andhra Pradesh police have intensified surveillance, identifying profiles that post provocative content and issuing warnings to the accused. The police have indicated that such individuals will only be released after receiving official notices, creating a wave of caution among social media users.
In Visakhapatnam, YCP leaders staged a protest, condemning what they termed as “fake propaganda” against their leader, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. YCP leaders argue that the crackdown should not solely focus on posts related to TDP-Janasena leaders, but also on the content spreading misinformation about Jagan. Former Minister Ambati Rambabu, accompanied by YCP members, recently filed a complaint with Guntur SP, alleging that YCP activists are being targeted and treated like criminals under the pretense of controlling social media.
Strict Orders from AP’s Top Officials
The state’s DGP (Director General of Police) recently issued a statement indicating the government’s intent to hold everyone accountable, without exception. Following these directives, notices have been sent to personal assistants of prominent political figures in Andhra Pradesh. Home Minister Anita has been closely monitoring the situation, with regular updates submitted to the Chief Minister, who is personally involved in the review process.
CM Chandrababu’s Warning to Abusive Social Media Users
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also issued a strict warning to those who post “vulgar” content on social media. He made it clear that personal attacks, especially those directed at families, will not be tolerated. He criticized the individuals hiding behind fake profiles and using the internet to spread abusive content, stating that the government would take decisive action against any official who abuses their authority in this matter. Naidu emphasized that while there is freedom of speech, respect and dignity should be upheld.
DGP Meets with Pawan Kalyan to Discuss Safety Issues
Amidst the crackdown, DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao recently met with AP Deputy CM and actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan at his camp office in Mangalagiri. The two reportedly discussed various pressing issues, including the increase in cases of harassment and sexual assault against women in the state, as well as the ongoing surge of objectionable social media content. Both officials are believed to have agreed on the necessity of upholding strict guidelines for online behavior and curbing social media abuse.
As Andhra Pradesh navigates this intense period of social media regulation, the police are facing both public and political pressures. While the YCP continues to protest against what they claim are unjust and politically biased arrests, the government insists its sole intention is to curb misinformation and maintain respect across digital platforms.
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