The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a clarification after a WhatsApp message began circulating, alleging that the government was introducing “new communication rules” to track citizens’ calls and online activity. The PIB stated the claim was completely false, confirming that no such rule or policy has been enacted by the Government of India.
What the Fake Message Claimed
The misleading message, widely shared across WhatsApp groups, alleged that the government would begin monitoring all phone calls, WhatsApp chats, Facebook and Twitter activity, and link personal devices to central servers. It claimed the rules would come into force “from tomorrow” and urged users to avoid criticising the government, the Prime Minister, or commenting on political and religious matters.
False Warning of Arrest and Legal Action
The message went on to warn that any “inappropriate messages” could result in arrest without warrant, cybercrime investigation, or police notification. It advised people to “take the matter seriously” and share the message widely to “spread awareness.” Authorities have clarified that these statements are baseless and designed to create panic among users.
PIB Urges Caution Against Fake Forwards
The PIB, which runs official government fact-checking initiatives, reminded citizens to verify information before sharing it. It also advised people to follow official government handles for accurate updates on laws, rules, or policies.
“No such rule has been implemented by the Government of India. Citizens are requested not to share unverified information,” PIB stated via X.
Growing Wave of Digital Misinformation
This is not the first instance of viral fake messages claiming large-scale surveillance or communication monitoring. With India’s expanding digital footprint, fact-checking agencies have repeatedly warned users to be wary of viral forwards and depend only on credible government sources for accurate information.
