Jammu imposes 60-day ban on ‘communal content’ across social media platforms

Jammu imposes 60-day ban on ‘communal content’ across social media platforms
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Authorities in Jammu district have imposed a 60-day ban on the posting and circulation of content deemed “communally sensitive” on social media, citing concerns over public order and communal harmony.

The order was issued by District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. It prohibits sharing or forwarding any material—including text, images, videos, audio, memes, or graphics—that could promote enmity between communities based on religion, caste, language, race, or region.

The restrictions apply immediately across major platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Officials said the order covers all users within the district, as well as content posted elsewhere that could affect law and order locally.

Authorities warned that social media has increasingly been used to spread false or provocative material capable of inciting tensions and violence. The directive also bans the use of online platforms to organise unlawful gatherings or target specific communities.

Violations may lead to legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act 2000, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Group administrators and platform operators have been tasked with preventing the spread of prohibited content.

Police have been instructed to register cases against violators, while authorities plan to implement round-the-clock cyber monitoring and establish dedicated oversight units at the sub-divisional level.