Delhi Police have registered four FIRs against social media handles allegedly spreading false narratives and rumours regarding protests in the capital, with several Pakistan-based accounts under scrutiny for disseminating misleading information and attempting to create an 'anti-India narrative'.
Delhi Police are actively monitoring social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation during protests in the capital, leading to the removal of approximately 300 posts. This action follows the arrest of a man for creating a fabricated AI video and includes requests to platform X for content removal.
Four individuals, including a social media influencer, have been arrested in Malappuram, Kerala, for possession of MDMA. Police seized 10.15 grams of the drug, along with other paraphernalia and cash, after intercepting their car on Wednesday night. The accused were allegedly planning to sell the drugs.
Police in Thrissur have registered a case under the POCSO Act against a female social media influencer and motivational speaker for allegedly sexually harassing an 11-year-old boy. A detailed investigation is underway, and the minor's statement has been recorded.
At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Valsad police have apprehended three men in connection with the murder of Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar. The arrests follow an earlier detention by Ahmedabad Crime Branch of an alleged shooter. The detained individuals were found in Vapi, Gujarat, and have been handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation into their roles, including reconnaissance.
A 22-year-old social media influencer and gym trainer, Arif Ayub Shaikh, has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, on charges of rape, physical abuse, and attempting to force a woman to convert her religion under the guise of marriage. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has labelled the case as "love jihad," alleging a larger network exploiting young Hindu girls in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Police recovered over 100 explicit video clips from Shaikh's phone, with some potentially distributed abroad.
Urban Indian millennials are caught in an algorithmically amplified consumption spiral where social media normalises spending patterns that systematically undermine retirement security.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed academic Deepak Mhaskey as the new head of its social media department, succeeding Amit Malviya who led the party's digital outreach for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further enhance the BJP's digital communication and public discourse.
A 19-year-old man was arrested in Chennai for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl he befriended on social media. Police acted swiftly on the mother's complaint. The article also mentions a separate arrest of a school principal under the POCSO Act and clarifies another ongoing investigation.
Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former member of the board of Engineers India Limited, has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media department, taking over from Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further strengthen the party's digital communication.
The Supreme Court has issued an interim directive prohibiting the unauthorised posting, reposting, or uploading of audio-video recordings of court proceedings on social media and other digital platforms. This measure comes in response to concerns over the misuse of live-streamed court videos.
A 19-year-old man was stabbed to death in northeast Delhi's Jafrabad area following a dispute over an abusive social media comment. Police have apprehended two individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the murder. The victim and one of the accused were co-workers.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former board member of Engineers India Limited, as the new head of its social media department. He replaces Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Mhaskey, who holds a state minister-rank and is a permanent invitee of the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit, expressed gratitude for the significant responsibility.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has claimed his social media account was restricted in India by Meta, with no clear reason provided. He questioned Meta's actions and linked it to political pressure.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.
The Indian government is reportedly planning to introduce a social media code of conduct for its officers and employees. This move aims to regulate their online activities, preventing the posting of personal opinions or content that glorifies their work on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, addressing the current lack of specific guidelines.
Social media sensation Niharika NM is poised to make a Bollywood debut in Bhai Tera Star Hai alongside Raghav Juyal.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology and law and justice regarding a plea for safeguards for minors on social media. The NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' filed the plea, arguing that social media platforms should not enter into contracts with children under 18, citing their statutory incapacity to contract and the risks of online harm.
Government departments are establishing Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to promptly address and counter misleading or fake content circulating on social media. These teams will monitor digital platforms, verify information, and coordinate with fact-checking units to ensure timely and accurate responses to misinformation, with some ministries already having formed their QRTs.
You don't need to justify your boundaries to your boss, counsels rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, CEO of the online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform.
Legendary Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni celebrated his 45th birthday, prompting an outpouring of wishes and tributes from fans worldwide. Known as 'Captain Cool', Dhoni's remarkable career and leadership continue to inspire, even after his retirement from international cricket.
An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.
Delhi Police is conducting an extensive investigation into the July 20 clashes, utilising thousands of videos, social media broadcasts, and mobile phone records to identify culprits and determine if the violence was pre-planned. The probe also focuses on identifying over 480 Pakistan-based social media handles allegedly spreading misinformation to instigate students during the protests.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused anti-India forces of using social media to spread rumours and mislead society, calling it a 'medium' for conspiracies against the country. He also criticised the alleged historical neglect of Indian revolutionaries in favour of one political family.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faced significant backlash on social media for describing the Nepal flash floods as "drama." Despite expressing concern and detailing the devastation, his choice of words was widely criticised as insensitive, leading to questions about his vocabulary usage.
'Children are not learning how to handle conflict, communicate effectively or build deeper connections. That's why we see this loneliness paradox -- they are constantly connected yet emotionally disconnected,' says psychiatrist and therapist Dr Ruhi Satija.
A 15-year-old boy from Kollam, Allen James, has become a social media sensation due to his striking resemblance to Spanish football star Lamine Yamal.
A man in Uttar Pradesh has been arrested and jailed for allegedly circulating objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on social media.
Pakistani authorities have arrested eleven social media activists in Punjab province for allegedly spreading provocative content against the army and inciting public unrest.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested in Karkala, Karnataka, for allegedly posting derogatory casteist comments and issuing a death threat against Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on social media. The accused was taken into custody after a complaint detailed abusive remarks made on a Facebook post.
A man named Azmat Abad was arrested in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly posting an objectionable comment on a social media post depicting Lord Shiva. Police stated that the comment had the potential to disrupt communal harmony and create tension in the area. He was apprehended during a crime-curbing drive and is being produced before a competent court.
rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, CEO of online dating web site Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform counsels a married man how to explain to his wife about privacy and boundaries in a relationship.
A 24-year-old man in Latur, Maharashtra, allegedly died by suicide after facing threats and harassment on social media related to his love affair. Police have registered a case of abetment against seven individuals and have detained four in connection with the incident.
A man in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills has been arrested for allegedly sharing obscene content on social media platforms. The accused, a resident of Williamnagar, is accused of uploading sexually explicit content targeting women using vulgar language. A case has been registered against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Gurugram Police have arrested three Nigerian nationals for allegedly defrauding people through social media platforms by posing as women. The police recovered mobile phones, a laptop, and SIM cards from the accused, who are also charged under the Passport Act and the Foreigners Act.
The ICC Player Protection Programme, in partnership with AI moderator Freedom2hear, is actively shielding women cricketers from social media abuse. Over 100 players, including India's Radha Yadav and England's Amy Jones, have joined the initiative, which has already removed nearly 60,000 harmful comments during the ongoing T20 World Cup, ensuring player well-being and confident fan engagement.
A 16-year-old boy was apprehended in Delhi for allegedly brandishing a firearm in social media videos, with police recovering a country-made pistol from his possession.
Haryana Police in Palwal have launched 'Operation Lagam' to curb rowdiness and anti-social behaviour, registering six cases related to promotion of 'gangster culture' on social media. A special cell monitors social media, counselling users and removing offending content. Road safety measures have also been implemented, penalising traffic violators.
A family court in Jaipur granted a divorce to a man, citing mental cruelty based on his wife's social media behaviour and conduct during their marriage.
