Media to be under scanner in AP. GO issued.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday issued Government Order ( G.O. No.938) to curb the spread of false news in the media after a state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

The G.O. empowers secretaries concerned to initiate legal action against the publishers and Editors if it published or telecast "false news" which could "hamper the progress of the state."

Legal action can be initiated against defamatory news spread with malafide interest in print, electronic and social media. G.O. No.938 was first issued on February 20, 2007 during Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure and the Chief Minister was the chairman of the media watch. However, following protests, Rajasekhara Reddy had withdrawn the GO.