UP assembly polls: Police to monitor social media for objectionable posts

The Uttar Pradesh Police has formed a digital monitoring cell in preparation for the upcoming assembly polls in the state. The cell would function 24*7, starting from Wednesday.

"Whenever an objectionable post would be detected by the cell, it will immediately alert range and zonal police social media in charges, which will further revert to the specific district where action will be taken. If the case is sensitive then it will be ensured that a video of an officer is posted on time," Prashant Kumar, Additional director general (ADG) police, law and order, said.

The cell earlier had around 31 policemen headed by an additional Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officer. With the newly added 15 specialised policemen, the cell will have a total strength of 46.

The digital cell has been strengthened to combat fake information, inflammatory posts and violations of the model code of conduct, said Kumar.

Social media cells active at the district, range and zonal levels have been instructed to keep a vigil on posts that could impair the atmosphere during the elections. The UP Police will also run a separate campaign to spread awareness about the electoral process and model code conduct. This will involve the use of slogans, posters, poems and hashtags on social media. Furthermore, the official handle of UP police, @UPPViralCheck, will also check on fake information.

The DGP control room working under the additional director general of police, law and order, will also operate a C-Plan app. 10 elite people of each village have been linked in it with their mobile numbers.

"It will not only help in maintaining peace and order in the village but will also prove helpful in tackling the menace of fake information and also for dissemination of correct information," Kumar said.