The government of Bihar has temporarily banned 23 social networking and messaging applications till 11 pm on February 8 in Saran district to "maintain peace and tranquillity". An order issued by the Bihar government stated that commonly used apps like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat and others have been banned.

As per the order, the state government has also banned WeChat, QQ, Qzone, Tumblr, Google+, Baidu, Viber, Line, Pinterest, Telegram, Reddit, Snaptish, YouTube (upload), Vine, Xanga, Buaanet, Flickr and other social networking sites meant for mass messaging.

As per the order, the decision was taken “as per available inputs, and as reported by the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police Saran." The order further stated, "it is reasonably apprehended that some anti-social element in Saran District may use the internet to transmit objectionable content in order to spread rumour and disaffection amongst the public at large with a view to incite them to commit various offences against communal harmony and cause damage to life and property and disturb peace and tranquillity."

"It is felt that misuse of social networking sites and instant Messaging Services is likely to be detrimental to the interests of peace and tranquillity in Saran District," the order mentioned.

Source: TimesNow