Action on Misleading Video of Maha Kumbh

• 19 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh Police has taken strict action against the misleading video being shared on social media regarding Mahakumbh 2025.  

Key Points  

• About the issue: 
  • Action has been taken against 53 social media accounts in the last one month. 
  • Through these accounts, false information and misleading videos related to Maha Kumbh were posted.  
  • On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the police and cyber agencies are keeping an eye on these fake news, so that such misleading information can be stopped from spreading. 
• https://drishti.xyz/uppcs-eng-fn-web-bannerEffects on people:  
  • Due to the videos an attempt was made to spread false and misleading information.  
  • The effect of this misinformation creates confusion and fear in the minds of people. An atmosphere of tension and insecurity is created in the society. 

 Laws Related to Social Media and Fake News 

• It is noteworthy that social media platforms in India already fall under the purview of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2008. 
  • Although there is no specific law to stop fake news in India. But there are many organizations in India, which work in this regard. 
• The Press Council of India is one such regulatory body that can warn newspapers, news agencies and their editors if it is found that they have violated the principles of journalism. 
• The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) represents private television news and current affairs broadcasters and investigates complaints against them. 
• The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) accepts and investigates complaints against TV broadcasters for objectionable TV content and fake news.