You can take a Punjabi out of Punjab but you cannot make him forget the Punjab Police. This could be why the Punjab Police anti-fake news drive during Valentine’s Week attracted large audiences from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The campaign aimed to educate people on the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying news before sharing it online.
The Punjab Police have lately focused on cyber campaigns to enhance the reach of public safety messages and have a dedicated team that prepares internet campaigns.
A viewer engagement and demographic analysis done by the Punjab Police on their online campaign showed that very heavy traffic was generated from overseas.
“With widespread visibility and participation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and WhatsApp, the initiative sparked important conversations on responsible digital behaviour. The campaign went viral across WhatsApp groups, amplifying the message to think before forwarding unverified information,” said a senior officer involved in the campaign.
The data underscores a strong connection with younger demographics across Punjab and key diaspora communities, validating the campaign’s strategic impact, he added.
Police officers said a high viewership was also recorded across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Urban centres like Chandigarh and Ludhiana led in interactions.
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“A growing interest was noted in the Middle East and the United States, presenting expansion opportunities. The audience comprised 65 per cent males and 35 per cent females, indicating a need for more gender-balanced content. The highest viewership in Punjab was observed in Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. There was a strong resonance with individuals aged 18-35, emphasizing the importance of youth-centric messaging,” an officer said.
The Punjab Police have lately cultivated an increased social media presence to strengthen community relations and enhance public safety. Their platforms serve as channels for real-time updates, public advisories, and community outreach.
“The aim of the newly focussed digital strategy is to support swift communication during emergencies but also promote proactive engagement with citizens, contributing to a more informed and resilient community,” a senior officer said.
According to senior officials, the week-long initiative generated 11-12 million impressions, reinforcing the importance of media literacy and responsible social media use.
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“The Punjab Police will continue leveraging digital platforms to combat fake news, promote cyber awareness, and strengthen public trust. Citizens are encouraged to engage with official sources, think critically before sharing information, and report any misleading content to authorities. To report fake news or seek assistance, dial 112,” said an officer involved in cyber strategy.
