Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K.Pawan Kalyan has announced that the state government will establish a dedicated task force to address the growing issue of social media abuse and online harassment.

Speaking through a video message posted on X, he highlighted that while social media is a powerful tool for communication and public engagement, it does not grant an absolute right to freedom of speech that includes abusive or harmful content.

He emphasised that freedom of expression comes with legal and ethical boundaries, and any infringement on the rights and dignity of others will attract legal consequences.

Pawan Kalyan clarified that constructive criticism of the government remains a democratic right, but misuse of platforms for personal attacks, threats, character assassination, spreading false propaganda, morphing images, and targeting individuals—especially women and families—would not be tolerated.

He noted that such activities are often carried out through fake accounts, allowing offenders to hide behind anonymity while spreading offensive and harmful content.To address this issue more effectively, the government plans to set up a special cell in the Deputy Chief Minister’s office.

This cell will receive complaints related to online abuse and initiate appropriate legal action under relevant laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Information Technology Act, 2000.The task force will focus on identifying cyber criminals and taking stringent action against those involved in harassment and digital misconduct.

He further stated that crime has no connection with caste, religion, or political affiliation, and using such identities to justify wrongdoing is unacceptable.

The government’s approach, he said, aims to ensure that social media remains a space for responsible expression, healthy debate, and constructive engagement rather than division and abuse.