Doda, June 12 – The District Information Officer of Doda, in a significant move to curb misinformation and unauthorized activities, has issued a comprehensive advisory targeting YouTubers and social media content creators misrepresenting themselves as journalists in the district. The order, dated June 11, 2025, addresses concerns over individuals engaging in activities that disrupt public order, violate privacy, and undermine administrative functioning in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. Citing a range of legal provisions, the advisory outlines specific violations, directives, and punitive measures to regulate content creation and ensure compliance with the law.
The advisory highlights several violations observed among certain individuals operating on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. A primary concern is the unauthorized entry into government offices and private properties for the purpose of filming or content creation. Such actions, the order states, constitute criminal trespass, a serious offence under the law, The Chenab Times understands. Additionally, the dissemination of unverified, defamatory, or provocative content that has the potential to disturb public peace has been flagged as a significant issue. The administration has noted that such content, particularly when it incites communal disharmony or undermines government authority, poses a grave threat in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s volatile socio-political landscape. Furthermore, individuals falsely claiming to be journalists without proper accreditation face charges of impersonation and misrepresentation, which the advisory deems unacceptable.
To address these violations, the order invokes a robust legal framework, including provisions from the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, specifically Sections 153 (promoting enmity between groups), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and 441 (criminal trespass). Additionally, the Information Technology Act of 2000, particularly Section 69A, which empowers authorities to block online content, is cited alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act of 1978 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967. The advisory also references the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971 and the Press Council of India’s guidelines, as well as the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021, to underline the legal consequences of non-compliance.
The directive issued to social media content creators is clear and unequivocal. Individuals are instructed to refrain from entering government or private premises without prior authorization and to avoid publishing content that is communal, defamatory, false, or likely to incite public disorder. The advisory explicitly prohibits claiming the status of a journalist without proper accreditation or registration with a recognized media body. Content creators are also required to adhere to the community guidelines of their respective platforms and comply with Indian cyber laws. Cooperation with law enforcement agencies in the event of inquiries or notices is mandatory, emphasizing the administration’s intent to enforce accountability.
Non-compliance with the advisory will trigger stringent measures, the order warns. Violators face the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) under relevant legal provisions, including the IPC, IT Act, Public Safety Act, and UAPA. Social media accounts found disseminating unlawful content may be blocked or suspended under Section 69A of the IT Act. For habitual offenders, the administration has reserved the right to impose preventive detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act. Additionally, electronic devices used in unlawful activities may be seized, and fines or imprisonment may be imposed as per applicable laws. In cases involving anti-national activities, the advisory notes the possibility of travel restrictions or cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status, signaling the gravity of the administration’s stance.
The order, issued under reference number INF/D/231-34/2625-26, has been forwarded to the District Development Commissioner, the Director of Information for the Jammu and Kashmir Government, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, for information and necessary action.
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