UP Government Serious Over Misinformation Videos

A social media journalist and several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers are among those facing criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh over allegations of spreading misinformation. The cases were reportedly filed after they recorded and shared videos highlighting poor infrastructure and the alleged dilapidated condition of government run schools. At least eight similar cases have emerged across Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Hardoi, Hathras, Meerut, Lucknow, Amethi and Siddharthnagar, in addition to a case in Deoria against youth activist Rajat Singh.

The FIRs reportedly followed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s August 22 directive to senior officials to take strict criminal action against those circulating what the government describes as “fake” or “misleading” videos about government schools. Following the directive, several districts have also restricted the entry of outsiders, particularly YouTubers and social media users, into government schools without proper authorisation.