IT ministry cracks down on Twitter accounts peddling anti-India fake news, invokes section 69(A) of IT Act: Sources

Taking furr legal steps on fake news spre on Twitter, Information and Techlogy Ministry (IT Ministry) on Tuesday, has reportedly invoked Section 69 (A) of Information Techlogy Act and will write to Twitter to allegedly block a number of accounts for ir 'anti-India rants', according to sources.

Sources furr report that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed IT Ministry to act immediately. MHA has reportedly shortlisted a list of more than 100 accounts - of which a dozen accounts have been red-flagged for immediate action.

What does IT Act Section 69 (A) [2000] state?

According to Indian Kaon, section states that Central Government or any of its officer on its behalf, in interest of sovereignty and integrity, defence, security of India may direct any ncy of Government or intermediary to block for access by public or cause to be blocked for access by public any information generated, transmitted, received, stored or hosted in any computer resource.

intermediary who fails to comply with direction issued shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Pras Reacts To Pak Propaganda On Social Media, Says 'will t Allow ISI To Abuse Indian Digital '

Kashmir authorities file complaint to Twitter

This development comes a day after CRPF, Kashmir police and state ministration red-flagged a certain Twitter user - 'WSK' (@WajSKhan) for spreing baseless rumours about ground situation in Kashmir.

 Superintendent of Srinagar Police too sent an official letter to Twitter asking it to share 'WSK's registered email Id, his mobile number, IP dress, and any or access details. superintendent has also highlighted gravity of situation stating that tweets of user has potential to aggravate situation furr and endanger lives of general public in Kashmir.

J&K ministration confirms action on Twitter fake-news accounts, says 'handles identified & sent, demanded blocking'

IT Minister assures Republic of 'stern action'

In dition to this, Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Pras on Monday spoke to Republic TV's Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami assuring that stern action against ISI nts who were abusing Indian Digital . He ded that he would return to Delhi and follow through on complaint filed by Republic TV against Twitter user Zaid Hamid who h been warmongering posts over Kashmir using fake news and even targetted Republic TV.