Six Twitter accounts resembling PMO's official account blocked

Six Twitter accounts having resemblance to the Prime Minister's official account - PMOIndia, have reportedly been shut down after the content on them was found to be objectionable. The incident has no connection with the recent chronology of events, wherein websites with objectionable content are being shut to curb communal tension in the country. According to reports, the PMO asked the Cyber Security Cell of the Department of Information and Technology to block these six Twitter accounts, since in all possibility the fake accounts could be mistaken for the real one and lead to serious consequences. The issue, which is now about two months old, had been referred to Twitter, but since nothing moved post that, the matter went in to the hands of the Cyber Security Cell. Quoting sources, the report added that, "these accounts contained certain content having communal overtones and it could be dangerous."

Six Twitter accounts resembling PMO's blocked

PMO's decision in this respect came after seeking for relevant legal opinion and looking at the pertaining clause in the IT Act.

Reports yesterday suggested that the government warned Twitter of legal action after the latter failed to co-operate with its attempts to remove webpages carrying offensive content targeting those from the northeast. Reports went on to add that the government received a rather delayed response from Twitter, and this was partly attributed to the fact that the company does not have its offices in the country.

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This move, however, pertains to the recent NE exodus that grabbed headlines in the nation. The Centre has begun to come down heavily on the channels it believes are playing a role in triggering fear and leading to the exodus. It has been found that morphed images and videos were uploaded to these websites with an aim to incite the Muslim community in the country. Currently, as many as 130 websites have been blocked and according to some Home ministry officials, the rest will follow suit soon.