The Sri Lanka Police is to initiate stern action against those spreading fake news via social media.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said it has been observed that fake news is being circulated on various social media platforms at present.
He said such fake news creates various issues with regard to public movement, as well as Covid and Dengue prevention programmes.
Therefore, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been instructed to appoint a special team to monitor social media on fake news.
DIG Ajith Rohana said stern action will be taken against those creating, publishing, sharing and forwarding fake news on social media platforms.
Pointing out that it is an offence under the Police Ordinance to create panic among the public by way of sharing fake news, he said it is also an offence under the Penal Code.
The Police Spokesman reiterated that stern action will be initiated against anyone found to be spreading fake news on social media. (NewsWire)