Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district has passed an order (on 1 March) which mandates that group admins of all "public or community WhatsApp groups" register with the DC's office. The order mentions Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but only seems to focus on WhatsApp groups. According to the order, rumor-mongering by 'anti-social elements', and the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019 are behind the clampdown. MediaNama was unable to independently verify this order. In #Kashmir #whatsapp group admins are being asked to "register" the groups with authorities.This apparently is being done to prevent rumours etc before #2019LokSabhaelections.Will other states authorities take similar steps.Intersting to see how will "IT cells" respond. pic.twitter.com/ieIGSd1XVA — Azaan Javaid (@AzaanJavaid) March 3, 2019 What the order states Media Monitoring Committee: A Media Certification and Monitoring Committee has been formed by the district deputy commissioner's office to "monitor distribution of content on all media platforms including social media" to prohibit spread of unconfirmed/fake news. The MCMC will also maintain a "conducive environment for free and fair elections". The order does not specify if this committee is formed for the entire state or just for Kupwara district. Registration of "public" groups: All "public/community" WhatsApp group in Kupwara have to be registered with the Deputy Commissioner's office within 15 days of issuing the order. The group admin must include only those members whom he/she personally knows. Deleting false messages: The group admin shall take a screenshot of any fake/baseless statement which has the potential to cause religious disharmony, or rumour. The group…
