The Indian government has warned social media platforms against spreading disinformation and hundreds of false threats that alleged bombs on Indian airlines this month, causing travel chaos and terrorizing travelers.
“False information of bombs on Air India leads to a potential threat to public order and state security,” the government said in a statement on Saturday.
“Such false bomb threats, although they affect a large number of citizens, also destabilize the economic security of the country,” she added in the statement.
The government called the spread of threats “dangerous,” and warned social media platforms against “stated accessory measures if they do not comply with the immediate removal of false information.”
India’s Press Trust news agency reported that social media platforms have posted at least 275 bomb threats since mid-October 2024, all confirmed to be false, while other Indian media suggest the figure could reach nearly 400.
Some threats diverted aircraft from India to Canada and Germany, and fighter jets rushed to escort planes in the sky over Britain and Singapore.
Civil aviation authorities had to examine every threatened flight, many of which were due to posts on X.
“Social media companies should report any crimes that are likely to threaten the country’s unity, safety, sovereignty or economic security,” and quickly cooperate with government agencies to assist in investigations, India’s Information Ministry said.
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