Andhra Pradesh cracks down on social media abuse with new task force, Pawan Kalyan announces

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday announced the formation of a task force to take action against abusive posts on social media. The task force will target death threats, character assassination, and cyber crimes.

In a video post on X, Mr. Kalyan said that social media is a powerful platform but does not confer an absolute right to freedom of speech. He emphasised that legal consequences follow when a person infringes upon the rights of others. "Freedom of speech is not freedom to abuse," he stated.

He clarified that criticism of government policies and decisions remains a democratic right, albeit with certain limits. The task force will specifically target those posting abusive messages, spreading false propaganda, morphing photographs, harassing women, and insulting deities.

Mr. Kalyan noted that the misuse of social media has reached an alarming level. Miscreants hide behind fake accounts to use obscene language, spread personal slander, and issue threats. "Crime has no caste, religion, or political party. Hiding behind these identities after doing wrong is not acceptable," he warned.

Stringent action will be taken against offenders, he said. A special cell will be set up in his office to receive complaints of abuse on social media. Legal action will be taken under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Mr. Kalyan urged that social media be used to unite, not divide, and to question the government with responsibility and respect, within the law. He called on citizens to use the platform responsibly.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns in India over online hate speech and misinformation. Several states have introduced measures to regulate social media content while balancing free speech protections.