Social Media Regulation Echoes in J&K Assembly, MLA Sajjad Shaheen Calls for Strict Laws

The issue of fake news and misleading content on social media strongly resonated in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today. Banihal MLA Sajjad Shaheen raised the matter and demanded strict laws along with a clear policy framework to regulate such content.
During his address, he stated that in today’s digital era, social media has become a powerful source of information, but its misuse is also increasing rapidly. He expressed concern that people, without any verification, experience, or permission, are freely using microphones to spread unverified and fake content against anyone, damaging individuals’ reputations.
He further added that this growing trend is not only harmful at a personal level but has also become a tool for blackmail and exploitation in many cases. Such elements, he said, are contributing to social disorder and even targeting government institutions.
MLA Shaheen urged the government to establish a strong regulatory mechanism to curb the spread of misleading content on social media. He suggested that clear eligibility criteria should be defined for those working in this space, allowing only responsible individuals to operate.
He emphasized that those involved in spreading fake news must be identified and strict action should be taken against them to maintain law and order in society.
Concluding his address, he strongly advocated for stringent legislation on the issue, calling it the need of the hour to safeguard society.