Police tune online to social media and discussion groups for “de-radicalisation”

Hyderabad: Social media groups that are run on the pretext of theology discussion groups, but spread Islamic State propaganda have attracted at least 14 youngsters from Telangana.

These youngsters are under the surveillance of Central and state security agencies for sympathising with IS ideologies, said intelligence officials. Officials said that these youths had not tried to leave the country and join the terror outfit in Syria.

“There are several groups where IS ideology is actively discussed, and youngsters from our state are members. Since these groups are created on the pretext of theological groups, the social media sites do not take them down unless notified."

"Security agencies are keeping a watch on the members of such discussion groups,” said an official adding that if their online activities “crossed the line”, they would be detained by the police for “de-radicalisation”.

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