Telangana government to open history sheets against ‘habitual social media offenders’ to keep close watch on their activities

Telangana State government is intending to open history sheets against ‘habitual social media offenders’ so as to keep a close watch on their activities, and ‘manage’ them.

An internal communication of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau clubbed the social media offenders with the cyber criminals, to pass blanket instructions placing them under surveillance by opening and maintaining suspect sheets.

Individuals involved in cyber crime, even if not convicted, fall under the category of ‘suspects’ to enable the law enforcing agencies to monitor their activities, the directives say. Apart from members of criminal gangs and organised criminal syndicates, persons ‘addicted’ to crime too come under the definition of ‘suspects’.

Already 69 history sheets have been opened against cyber criminals under these provisions. A training camp too was called for in April this year, to impart hands on training on ‘investigation into social media related’ cases.

While the move is sought to be justified given the proliferation of cyber crimes involving financial frauds, the term ‘social media offenders’ is ambiguous and reeks of intentions for political vendetta, argues the BRS social media in-charge Manne Krishank.

Mr. Krishank together with another social media in-charge Konatham Dileep, is facing criminal charges under various sections allegedly for posting AI generated videos on social media with regard to the Kancha Gachibowli land auction issue.

“I have reliable tip-off that this move is directed to harass us in the name of social media offences. This is against democratic values and free speech,” Mr. Krishank said.