The Haryana Police have intensified their drive against objectionable and illegal content on social media, reporting more than 1,000 links and profiles under scrutiny as part of a sustained digital monitoring campaign. Officials said that since the launch of the initiative, a total of 1,018 social media links and profiles have been flagged for carrying content deemed objectionable, misleading, or potentially disruptive to public order. Of these, 583 have already been removed or blocked, while action on the remaining cases is currently underway.

The campaign, launched about a month ago, is being conducted by the Cyber Haryana unit in coordination with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Authorities say the initiative was necessitated by a noticeable rise in online content that could incite tension, spread misinformation, or undermine social harmony.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Haryana Police said objectionable, anti-national, anti-religious, and misleading material was increasingly being circulated across digital platforms, prompting the need for a “well-coordinated and continuous action” to curb its impact. “With this objective, the Cyber Haryana team started continuous monitoring of social media platforms, and the drive is still ongoing,” the statement said.

According to the police, the content flagged under the campaign includes posts, videos, links and profiles that allegedly spread false information, use provocative or inflammatory language, or have the potential to disturb public peace. Officials said the focus is not limited to a single platform but spans across multiple social media and digital channels where such material is commonly shared.

Under the ongoing drive, once objectionable content is identified, a formal notice is issued to the concerned social media intermediary under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act. This provision requires platforms to act expeditiously to remove or disable access to unlawful content once they are notified by authorities. “As soon as such content is detected, a notice is issued directing immediate removal. No leniency is being shown at any stage of this process,” the police statement said.

Out of the 1,018 links and profiles reported so far, 583 have already been taken down or blocked by social media companies following police notices. The remaining 435 cases are in various stages of review, with officials expressing confidence that they too will be removed soon after procedural checks are completed by the platforms concerned.

Senior police officials stressed that the campaign is aimed at preventing the misuse of social media rather than curbing legitimate expression. However, they underlined that content which spreads misinformation, promotes hatred, or threatens public order will not be tolerated.

Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said the crackdown on objectionable content is part of a broader strategy to address emerging digital threats. He pointed out that along with inflammatory posts and misleading narratives, there has been a sharp rise in cases of digital fraud, particularly involving suspicious trading and investment platforms operating online.

“In view of the growing cases of digital fraud, the police have initiated another major campaign,” Singhal said. To tackle fraudulent investment schemes and dubious financial channels that lure users with promises of high returns, Cyber Haryana launched a special, well-organised drive on January 12.

Under this parallel initiative, 28 suspicious trading and investment apps and channels have been identified so far. Of these, 14 have already been removed from digital platforms, while the remaining 14 are currently undergoing final review and takedown procedures in coordination with social media intermediaries and other digital service providers.

Officials said these apps and channels often use aggressive online marketing, fake testimonials and misleading claims to trap unsuspecting users, leading to significant financial losses. The police have warned that such operations are often linked to organised cybercrime networks that operate across state and even national borders.

Singhal emphasised that the Haryana Police are adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards the spread of false, inflammatory or deceptive information online. “We are extremely strict against those who misuse social media to spread rumours, incite hatred or defraud people,” he said.

He also appealed to the public to play an active role in the campaign by reporting suspicious content. “If anyone comes across a doubtful post, link, profile or app, they should immediately inform the police or call the cyber helpline so that timely action can be taken,” the DGP said, adding that public cooperation was crucial for the success of such digital enforcement efforts.

Additional Director General of Police (Cyber) Shibash Kabiraj said the broader objective of the campaign was to create a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem. “The main aim is to build a safe, aware and reliable digital environment so that social media can be used responsibly and constructively,” he said.

Kabiraj noted that while social media has become an essential tool for communication and information-sharing, its misuse can have serious consequences for social harmony and public safety. Continuous monitoring, he said, was necessary to stay ahead of rapidly evolving online threats and misinformation campaigns.

The Haryana Police’s intensified digital surveillance reflects a growing trend among law enforcement agencies across India to proactively monitor online spaces. With social media playing an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion, authorities argue that unchecked misinformation and provocative content can quickly escalate into real-world tensions.

At the same time, officials maintain that due process is being followed, with content flagged and reviewed based on specific criteria and legal provisions. Social media companies are also being encouraged to strengthen their internal monitoring mechanisms and respond more swiftly to lawful takedown requests.

As the campaign continues, police officials indicated that more links, profiles, apps and channels could come under scrutiny in the coming weeks. The success of the drive, they said, would ultimately depend on sustained coordination between law enforcement, digital platforms and the public, aimed at ensuring that online spaces remain safe, lawful and conducive to responsible discourse.