Centre Orders Social Media Platforms to Erase Hoax Bomb Threat Content

Authorities have issued directives to social media platforms to delete all content associated with hoax bomb threats amid a rising trend of fake alerts targeting flights and public spaces. In an intensified crackdown, Delhi Police, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs, is pushing for collaboration with major tech companies, seeking data from platforms to trace and suspend accounts responsible for these scare tactics. This initiative marks a firm stance against the spread of fear through digital channels, with multiple flights having faced false alarms this month, notably causing disruptions and extensive security protocols.

Several cases, including one affecting a Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight, highlighted the need for swift cyber interventions. Police sources confirm that the threat to this particular flight, carrying over 180 passengers, was deemed a hoax after rigorous screening. As incidents persist, authorities have approached social media sites for precise user data, including IP addresses linked to suspicious activity, to facilitate legal action. Despite using anonymizing tools like VPNs, the individuals behind these threats are being tracked as police coordinate with cyber experts and international agencies to bolster the investigation.