16,308 Illegal Online Content Items Removed as Haryana Police Tightens Digital Watch

Haryana Police has intensified its crackdown on illegal and objectionable online activities, strengthening digital surveillance mechanisms to combat cybercrime, misinformation and other unlawful content, the police said on Thursday.

The force said its Social Media Monitoring and URL Blocking teams are continuously tracking online activity to identify and act against phishing links, fake websites, fraudulent applications, misleading advertisements, fake profiles and other illegal digital content.

According to the police, 16,308 illegal online content items were removed till July this year as part of the ongoing enforcement drive. The action comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of digital platforms by criminals to target citizens and spread misleading information.

DGP Ajay Singhal said the nature of crime is changing rapidly in the digital era, with offenders increasingly using technology to target ordinary people. He said Haryana Police’s digital monitoring efforts are not restricted to cyber fraud but also focus on misinformation and misleading content circulating on social media.

The police have also stepped up monitoring of online material involving women and children. The Online Crimes Against Women and Children Unit keeps watch for harmful, objectionable and illegal content targeting these groups.

Police said that when such material is detected, a notice is issued to the concerned social media platform under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, seeking its immediate removal.

Superintendent of Police Mayank Gupta said the campaign aims to create a safe, informed and trustworthy digital environment for society.

The Haryana Police initiative reflects the growing role of law enforcement agencies in monitoring the digital space as cybercrime, online fraud and misinformation continue to evolve. Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while accessing links, websites, applications and information shared through social media platforms.