Police tracking down individuals spreading pictures, false information on social media

Police will be monitoring, detecting and taking action against those who abuse social websites, including disseminating pictures or sharing irresponsible information.

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the Police Cyber Investigation Response Centre (PCIRC) would be monitoring and detecting those involved.

"Social media users should stop creating, spreading and sharing matters in any form which can affect public order and wellbeing of society, especially those which are seditious.

"I have directed PCIRC to monitor, detect and take action against those who abuse social media," he said in a statement here, today.

Khalid said offenders could be charged under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Sedition Act 1948 as well as other related laws.

"They (users) should report to the authorities if they receive or detect any statements which could affect the interests of the people and country.

"I am reminding all that the freedom of expression should be practised prudently and based on the truth," he said.

Khalid said this right was subject to the limits accepted universally and determined by special laws to protect public order.

Khalid's statement also referred to the recent developments in social media which is increasingly filled with slanders as well as pictures and false information insulting the country's leadership apart from affecting public order.