The government welcomes criticism and genuine requests for help amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is necessary to take action against users who misuse social media to spread panic and misinformation, sources from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said on Sunday. They also said that social media platforms had been asked to remove around 100 posts or URLs due to misuse and spread of fake or misleading information regarding the pandemic. Sources further said that the move was necessary against users who are misusing social media during the grave humanitarian crisis for unethical purposes. "At a time when the entire country is putting up a brave and honest effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, certain people are misusing social media to create panic. Tweets which advance harmful false or misleading narratives about COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be removed," the spokesperson said.

Source: Mint April 25, 2021 09:04 UTC