Andhra Pradesh govt seeks sweeping powers to monitor social media posts, prompting fears of misuse

“A fact-finding committee is being set up to scrutinise social media posts which target women, especially women MLAs and political leaders. Based on the recommendations of the committee, we will table a Bill in the Assembly to bring an Act to not only curb offensive and derogatory social media posts but also take action against them,” Anitha said.

Sources said that the government is also targeting alleged misinformation and “false propaganda” by the YSRCP about the super-six schemes of the TDP-NDA government, as well as the capital city of Amaravati.

Anitha, a former teacher who joined politics in 2013, has herself been a target of objectionable messages and trolling on social media. In March, a new women’s safety mobile application, Suraksha, was launched by the Naidu government in response to complaints of abusive posts online, as well as for the general safety of women in public spaces.

“Criticism of political leaders and ministers is acceptable, but not obscene and vulgar language. These days, anyone with a political opinion is posting whatever they want, using the most vulgar language sometimes. It is often directed at women. Stalking and harassment of women is going on on social media. My government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women,” Anitha said, dismissing allegations that the government wants to muzzle Opposition criticism.

“YSRCP leaders deliberately spread false information like floods in Amaravati have sunk the capital, which has not happened. The YSRCP is also issuing negative statements about all the development activity that the government has taken up. It is not right,” she said.

Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan has repeatedly spoken about the abuse of women online and has appealed to the CM to take steps.

The YSRCP maintains that women have become unsafe in the state. The party’s official spokesperson, A Shyamala, said that atrocities against women in Andhra Pradesh under the TDP-led coalition government have increased.

“What promises were made to women before the elections, and what is happening today? Women are left with no protection,” Shyamala said. “During YS Jagan’s tenure, women had the protection of the Disha App. What benefit has the coalition’s so-called Suraksha app delivered? Women employees and even IPS officers are facing humiliation under this regime.”