WhatsApp group admins can be liable for messages by group members in India

Maharashtra Cyber’s Office of Special Inspector General of Police in India issued an advisory notice alerting admins of WhatsApp groups could, along with users, be held liable for posting illegal, fake or objectionable content on WhatsApp groups. The advisory notice cited the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code to alert that admins can be liable for fake news, hate speech, and misinformation in groups. Moreover, it requires admins to ensure that: every group member is reliable and responsible enough to only share verified information; to inform all group members about the rules of posting in the group; and to inform the police if any members resort to mischief and share objectionable content.