The State Government on Monday warned that it would take stern action against rumour-mongers spreading fake news on social media about the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The state level fake news control and special monitoring cell had been set up by the state government, which has been monitoring fake news on social media platforms and other publications.
"Strict action will be taken against those spreading fake news. We will not take such things lightly... this is an emergent situation and spreading of false and unverified news can lead to panic among the people," an official source said.
"As part of this special drive, our health (department) officers will make people understand how false news and misinformation can harm law and order and create confusion’’.
“They are satisfying the curiosity of the citizns and are making efforts to desist from forwarding unverified information or images. There are adequate provisions in IT Act for taking action against these fake news being spread on social media,” the source said.
The activities of host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, update and share come under the different sections of Act and the news affects the interest of common people, the source stated.