The Telangana government has announced that strict action will be taken against those who spread false information creating panic, while the nation is under a complete lockdown to break the chain and prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The government has said that people are relying social media besides the conventional media to gather information, as the official information/ data isn't readily available on official websites or from the authorities and agencies, which has lead people to spread fake news and mislead people, causing panic.

Dileep Konatham, Director, Digital Media, IT Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) Department said that stopping fake information spread is equally difficult as the pandemic and that WHO called it Infodemic. The Telangana state government said that spreading fake news and rumours during national disasters can land people in prison for an year besides fine under the sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Spreading fake news is also a punishable offence under Section 505 of Indian Penal Code for causing panic.