In India, Facebook and WhatsApp group Admins could go to jail for offensive posts

According to a joint order issued by the district magistrate of Varanasi and the city’s police chief, offensive posts such as rumours or fake new circulated through
WhatsApp or Facebook groups can land the group admin in jail.

Varanasi DM Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and SP Nitin Tiwari recently issued a joint order that said an FIR (first investigation report)
can be filed against a group administrator if factually incorrect, rumour or misleading information is circulated on his/her social
media group.

The order partly reads, “there are several groups on social media which are named on news groups and also groups with other names which are propagating news
and information which is not authentic.

These are being forwarded without cross- checking”.
The order stated social media group administrators should be ready to bear the responsibility and ownership of the groups. The administrator must include
only those members who are personally known to him or her. If any statement is made by a group member which is fake, can cause religious disharmony, or rumour,
the group admin must deny it on the group and remove the member from the group.

“In the event of inaction from the group admin, he or she will be considered guilty and action will be taken against the group
admin,” the order stated.

Such a post must also be reported to the nearest police station so that action can be taken against the member under the law. A
case under cyber crime law, Information Technology Act and Indian Penal Code will be filed in case of violation of these
guidelines. The order also made it clear that orders of Supreme Court and various high courts will be considered while initiating
action. “While freedom of expression on social media is important, it also comes
with a responsibility,” the order said.