Cops in Goa warn against posting unverified 'news' online

TNN | Updated: Apr 6, 2020, 08:31 IST

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PANAJI: After noticing fake posts on social media in the wake of the ongoing corona virus epidemic, Goa Police on Sunday advised people to exercise restraint in posting content on social media and it could lead to penal action.
Inspector general of police (IGP) Jaspal Singh said he had come across instances where people have morphed old video clips and tried to project them as current ongoing events, particularly clips which show police beating individuals.
"Such content has the potential to cause disaffection among communities and tear at the social fabric of society. Certain individuals have been identified and warned to be careful in the future. Any repetition of such conduct would invite penal action," Singh said. He also said that people are advised to verify the authenticity of the content, which he said can be easily done online through google search by typing out the keywords about the post or message. "No unverified content should be posted or forwarded," he said
Singh said that the top most priority at this time is to contain the spread of Covid-19 by fighting against the disease. Any inflammatory content can divert attention of the administration and police forces who are actively engaged across the state performing their duties.
"People should not believe in rumours and contact the police control room (PCR) at 112 or superintendent of police (SP), PCR Pankaj Kumar Singh at 7875756016," Singh said.
Goa police has also appealed to citizens for their help in preventing circulation of fake news and rumours on social media. In a message, police said that spot news stories might be fake. "Check the source to see if it looks authentic. Watch the video and media carefully to see if it looks edited," police advised.