Forum of good governance urges Revanth Reddy to act against online trolling on journalists
HYDERABAD: The Forum for Good Governance has urged the Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to take immediate action against the growing problem of organised online trolling, harassment, and physical threats targeting journalists in the Telugu states on Thursday. The forum has expressed deep concern over the declining state of press freedom in Telangana.
Growing threats to journalists
M. Padmanabha Reddy, President of the forum highlighted that freedom of speech and expression saying it is the part of Indian Constitution. Reddy expressed his concerns saying this freedom of speech is rapidly dissolving in India, particularly in Telugu states. Offenders are targeting especially those reporting on sensitive issues, are facing increasing instances of online harassment, abusive trolling, and even physical threats.
The Forum’s letter to Revanth Reddy emphasized that these malicious activities are not just random acts but appear to be organized continuous efforts aimed at silencing independent voices. The letter pointed out the role of social media wings of political parties, which are allegedly planning troll farms and war rooms to attack journalists.
In response to these alarming trends, the Forum for Good Governance has proposed several measures for the state government to consider. One of the key suggestions is the formation of a committee to investigate cases of online trolling, especially those targeting women journalists. The Forum also recommended that this committee take appropriate actions based on its findings.
To further address the issue, the Forum urged the government to hire experts capable of identifying and dismantling these troll farms. These experts would also uncover the connections between these troll farms and political parties or other vested groups. The Forum stressed the importance of political parties issuing ethical guidelines for their social media teams, urging them to engage in constructive political discourse and to refrain from using abusive language.
Recommendations for action against trolling
The Forum also called for the involvement of the IT industry in tackling the issue, particularly by identifying and taking action against both named and anonymous trolls. It emphasized the need for swift responses from the Telangana Cyber Crime Police and Cyber Security Bureau to complaints filed by journalists. By addressing these issues, the state can protect journalists and uphold the principles of free and independent media.
