News for 'social media misuse'

SC restricts posting court recordings on social media

SC restricts posting court recordings on social media

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

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.

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Social media being used for anti-India conspiracies: Adityanath

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

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.

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

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.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

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.

Social Media Argument Turns Deadly in Haryana Village

Social Media Argument Turns Deadly in Haryana Village

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A 55-year-old man was allegedly shot dead in Kherla village, Nuh district, Haryana, following a dispute over a social media comment. Police have deployed a heavy force and are investigating the incident.

SC asks govt to frame guidelines to curb social media misuse

SC asks govt to frame guidelines to curb social media misuse

Rediff.com24 Sep 2019

Expressing serious concern over some social media platforms not being able to trace the originator of a message or an online content, a bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose said the government must step in now.

Bengaluru Police Arrest Man Over AI-Generated Vidhana Soudha Blast Video

Bengaluru Police Arrest Man Over AI-Generated Vidhana Soudha Blast Video

Rediff.com2 days ago

A 25-year-old man, Hazarat Ali, has been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly uploading an AI-generated video falsely showing an explosion at Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka legislature building. Police have registered a case and the investigation is ongoing.

Cyber Rakshika Mission Leads To Arrests In Online Harassment Cases

Cyber Rakshika Mission Leads To Arrests In Online Harassment Cases

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has arrested eight individuals and taken action against three minors in connection with nine FIRs related to online harassment, fake social media profiles, objectionable content circulation, and blackmail. The arrests were made under "Mission Cyber Rakshika," an initiative focused on protecting women from cyber-stalking and abuse.

Delhi High Court Upholds Abhishek Sharma's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Delhi High Court Upholds Abhishek Sharma's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting India cricketer Abhishek Sharma's personality rights, restraining third parties from misusing his name, image, and AI-generated content for commercial or personal gain. The court directed online platforms to remove infringing material, citing the spread of false and obscene content that damages his reputation and commercial value.

BJP Files Cyber Crime Case Over Misuse Of Leaders' Images

BJP Files Cyber Crime Case Over Misuse Of Leaders' Images

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The BJP's Bahraich unit has filed a cyber crime case against a social media account for allegedly misusing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, along with party symbols, to circulate misleading content. Police have registered a case under the IT Act and initiated an investigation.

Govt drafts new IT rules to curb social media misuse; experts flag privacy concerns

Govt drafts new IT rules to curb social media misuse; experts flag privacy concerns

Rediff.com24 Dec 2018

Experts warned that amendments, which would allow traceability of "unlawful content", invade personal privacy and free speech.

Govt to crack down on vulgar content on social media

Govt to crack down on vulgar content on social media

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for more stringent laws to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister suggested that the Parliamentary Standing Committee should address the issue and emphasized the need for consensus on stricter legislation. Vaishnaw highlighted the lack of editorial checks on social media, leading to uncontrolled dissemination of vulgar content. He argued that while social media platforms provide a platform for press freedom, they require stricter regulations to address the proliferation of inappropriate content.

'Misquoted with malicious intent': CJI Surya Kant on 'cockroach' remark row

'Misquoted with malicious intent': CJI Surya Kant on 'cockroach' remark row

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Voicing concern over the circulation of clips of court proceedings on social media without adequate context, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has said that his oral remarks were "misquoted" and misused with "malicious intent" to mislead the youth of the country.

'Children have fundamental right to access internet': SC no to age-based ban

'Children have fundamental right to access internet': SC no to age-based ban

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court has declared that children have a fundamental right to access and use the internet, directing the Centre to establish a national database for detecting and removing child sexually explicit visual content. The ruling, stemming from a plea by NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, emphasises the internet's value for learning and expression while acknowledging the need for safeguards like parental consent and a "child mode" for accounts, rather than blanket restrictions.

Why Siddaramaiah Is Fighting 'Disinformation' In Court

Why Siddaramaiah Is Fighting 'Disinformation' In Court

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has initiated legal proceedings, including seeking a court injunction and filing a police complaint, against a video circulating on social media that he claims falsely links him to a sting operation. He and his son, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, assert the video is a fabricated attempt at character assassination and disinformation.

Delhi High Court Upholds Abhishek Sharma's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Delhi High Court Upholds Abhishek Sharma's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting India cricketer Abhishek Sharma's personality rights, restraining third parties from misusing his name, image, and AI-generated content for commercial or personal gain. The court directed online platforms to remove infringing material, citing the spread of false and obscene content that damages his reputation and commercial value.

New IT rules to stop misuse of social media: IT minister

New IT rules to stop misuse of social media: IT minister

Rediff.com27 May 2021

"Ordinary users of WhatsApp have nothing to fear about the new Rules. Its entire objective is to find out who started the message that led to commissioning of specific crimes mentioned in the rules," Prasad added.

Maharashtra Congress Demands Lawrence Bishnoi's Transfer To Mumbai

Maharashtra Congress Demands Lawrence Bishnoi's Transfer To Mumbai

Rediff.com4 days ago

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal challenged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to bring jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi to Mumbai for interrogation following a series of attacks, including one on actor Tiger Shroff. Sapkal alleged that the Bishnoi gang operates with government blessings and questioned why Bishnoi has not been interrogated despite his alleged involvement in high-profile cases. He also criticised Fadnavis's handling of law and order and the alleged misuse of police.

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a re-conduct of the NEET-PG 2026 exam, imposing a cost on the petitioner and criticising the advocate for misusing the legal process and soliciting cases on social media. The court noted that the petitioners were not affected by the exam disruption they cited.

Delhi High Court Safeguards Yuvraj Singh's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Delhi High Court Safeguards Yuvraj Singh's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting cricketer Yuvraj Singh's personality rights, restraining third parties from unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and likeness for commercial gain or creating AI-generated and deepfake content. The court emphasised the need to protect public figures from reputational damage caused by fabricated online content.

Govt warns social media platforms over deepfake issue

Govt warns social media platforms over deepfake issue

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Vaishnaw told reporters that the government had recently issued a notice to companies on the deepfake issue, and the platforms responded, but added that the firms will have to be more aggressive in taking action on such content.

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint after an AI-generated deepfake video, maliciously altering his remarks, surfaced on social media. The video falsely depicted him making threatening statements against students protesting the NEET examination. Government sources confirm many related links have been taken down, and Goyal has warned of strict legal action against those involved in its creation and dissemination.

Online Shopping Scams: How To Stay Safe

Online Shopping Scams: How To Stay Safe

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Fake web sites, counterfeit goods, bogus delivery charges and fraudulent customer support agents are common warning signs.

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.

College student arrested for morphing pix of teachers, students

College student arrested for morphing pix of teachers, students

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

A college student in Kochi has been arrested for allegedly morphing photographs and videos of teachers and female students into obscene content and circulating them on social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram. The arrest followed a complaint from the college management, which also dismissed the student. Police are investigating the extent of the network and potential financial motives.

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, known for provocative social media posts and claims of political proximity, has been detained in Bulandshahr. His detention follows a viral video where he boasted about assaulting a Jantar Mantar protester's father, leaving him with severe injuries, and claiming to have avoided jail due to political connections. Police acted after public outcry and protests.

How Two Men Cheated Garba Enthusiasts Of Rs 8 Lakh

How Two Men Cheated Garba Enthusiasts Of Rs 8 Lakh

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has arrested two men from Rajasthan for allegedly defrauding people of Rs 8 lakh by selling fake garba event passes during Navratri. The accused used Instagram, forged email IDs, WhatsApp, and AI tools like ChatGPT to create authentic-looking tickets and promotional material, targeting around 40,000 people. They sold 686 bogus passes for various high-end events before being apprehended based on a complaint from a garba organiser.

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

'Protest a way of building consensus in a democracy': Bhagwat at Gen Z meet

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said protest is a legitimate form of dialogue in a democracy and should be aimed at building consensus rather than creating divisions.

Slimming Drug Boom Sparks Misuse Concerns: 'They Are Not Meant For Cosmetic Weight Loss'

Slimming Drug Boom Sparks Misuse Concerns: 'They Are Not Meant For Cosmetic Weight Loss'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The fast-growing GLP-1 market, propelled by lower-cost generics following patent expiry, is widening availability beyond patients with obesity and diabetes -- but also driving unsupervised, appearance-led demand, according to doctors.

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Earlier, the girl issued an apology video on social media on Saturday saying she had been "influenced."

Anti-CEC stir: DSGMC files complaint against Kejriwal over Bangla Sahib row

Anti-CEC stir: DSGMC files complaint against Kejriwal over Bangla Sahib row

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee (DSGMC) has filed a police complaint against AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, alleging disruptions at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and the circulation of misleading videos. The complaint stems from an incident on Saturday where AAP-affiliated protesters entered the gurudwara premises during an anti-CEC protest, leading to chaos and alleged political activity within the sacred space. DSGMC claims this violated the sanctity of 'Guru Ghar' and hurt religious sentiments, further accusing AAP leaders of amplifying a distorted narrative.

Gautam Gambhir moves HC against deepfakes, identity misuse

Gautam Gambhir moves HC against deepfakes, identity misuse

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Gautam Gambhir moves Delhi High Court against AI deepfakes and identity misuse, seeking takedown orders and Rs 2.5 crore damages.

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Once identified, these individuals are drawn into private groups where they are exposed to manipulative content, including fabricated videos depicting atrocities allegedly committed by security forces, the officials said.

How Bhubaneswar Police Uncovered A Digital Escort Service Fraud

How Bhubaneswar Police Uncovered A Digital Escort Service Fraud

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Bhubaneswar police have busted a fraudulent digital escort service racket, arresting four individuals for allegedly misusing women's photographs on social media and cheating customers through online payments. The investigation, initiated by a woman's complaint, led to the seizure of digital evidence and a public advisory against such scams.

No privacy for terrorists: Govt on linking Aadhaar with social media

No privacy for terrorists: Govt on linking Aadhaar with social media

Rediff.com22 Oct 2019

The top court also asked the Centre to submit its report in January on the notification of rules by which social media misuse can be checked and liability could be fastened on intermediaries to decrypt messages.

Cong social media team coordinator held for Amit Shah fake video

Cong social media team coordinator held for Amit Shah fake video

Rediff.com4 May 2024

Arun Beereddy (37), a native of Telangana's Hyderabad, was arrested from Delhi. He handles the 'Spirit of Congress' account on X, the official said.

Arunachal Man Arrested Over Threat to Shoot Assam CM

Arunachal Man Arrested Over Threat to Shoot Assam CM

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in Arunachal Pradesh for sending a threatening message to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma via WhatsApp.

R R Patil warns of action against those misusing social media

R R Patil warns of action against those misusing social media

Rediff.com9 Jun 2014

With objectionable posts on social networking sites trigging violence over the past week, the Maharashtra government is mulling action against not only those who upload them but also against those who "like" and forward them, state's Home Minister R R Patil said on Monday.

Row Erupts Over Maharana Pratap Song Use In 'Mirzapur The Movie'

Row Erupts Over Maharana Pratap Song Use In 'Mirzapur The Movie'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore has formally objected to the use of a song dedicated to Maharana Pratap in "Mirzapur The Movie", demanding its removal from the Central Board of Film Certification. Rathore argues that using the historical song in a scene with criminal characters disrespects Maharana Pratap and hurts public sentiments. The song's composer, Rapperiya Balam, also claims it was used without his permission and that its placement glorifies villains, insulting Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap.