Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 August 2025
The widespread use of WhatsApp as a primary source of news and information in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is now raising serious concerns over the leaking of confidential government documents not intended for public circulation.
Over the past few years, WhatsApp has emerged as the most accessible and commonly used platform for residents across the Islands to receive updates — from government notices and press releases to advisories and important public communications. While the platform’s ability to disseminate information quickly is a clear advantage, the misuse of this very feature is causing unintended harm.
In a concerning incident in June 2025, a confidential list of suspected Bangladeshi nationals residing in South Andaman was leaked and widely circulated via WhatsApp. The list, which was never meant to be shared publicly, found its way into thousands of groups across the territory.
More recently, on 31st July 2025, a Public Advisory about a potential tsunami threat, created by the Nicobar District Administration as part of a mock communication drill, was leaked in a similar manner. The advisory was meant solely for the mock communication drill and was never meant for public dissemination. However, once it reached the public via WhatsApp, it caused panic.
Some local media outlets, unaware of the advisory’s mock nature, published news stories based on the leaked information, which further amplified public anxiety. Although the District Administration of Nicobar promptly issued a clarification next day, it failed to gain the same reach and traction as the original advisory — a telling example of how misinformation spreads faster than corrections.
The episodes have highlighted the urgent need for clear communication channels and protocols. In an age of instant digital dissemination, relying on outdated methods — such as limited office-hour phone calls or visits by media persons for clarifications — is no longer effective.
Observers are now calling on all three district administrations of the Union Territory, along with every major government department, to appoint full-time Public Relations Officers (PROs). These PROs should be accessible to the media 24×7 to verify and clarify any circulating information, especially when it pertains to public safety or sensitive issues.
Such a system would help prevent the spread of misinformation, ensure public confidence, and streamline the process of communication between authorities and the media.
Equally important is the need to train government employees on handling sensitive information. Officials must be equipped to distinguish between documents that can be shared publicly and those that are strictly for internal use. Awareness sessions and digital literacy training can go a long way in minimising leaks — intentional or otherwise.
The recent incidents serve as a wake-up call for the administration, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the current document handling protocols. While digital platforms like WhatsApp are immensely powerful tools for outreach, they must be used responsibly — especially when government credibility and public safety are at stake.
Without urgent corrective measures, the Islands may continue to face the dual threats of misinformation and unnecessary public panic — both of which can be prevented with proactive, transparent, and modern communication frameworks.
