Delhi Police has dismissed a fake viral notice circulated on social media that falsely claimed the force was using FRT
The Delhi Police has categorically dismissed as fake a viral notice circulated on social media that falsely claimed the force was using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to identify, summon, and restrict the movement of citizens present around Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place.
The forged document, which was widely shared across social media platforms including X, alleged that individuals present in prohibited areas during the enforcement of Section 144 had been identified through CCTV footage and Facial Recognition System (FRS) records. It further claimed that recipients were being summoned for questioning, barred from leaving the National Capital Territory without prior police permission, and subjected to continuous location and device surveillance.
The notice quickly gained traction after being shared by several social media users, including the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), which cited the document while raising concerns over alleged state surveillance. The claims were subsequently amplified online, triggering accusations that Delhi Police was deploying facial recognition technology to intimidate citizens and unlawfully restrict their freedom of movement.
However, Delhi Police swiftly intervened with an official fact-check, declaring that the document was entirely fabricated and had never been issued by the force.
“A fake notice purportedly issued by Delhi Police falsely claims that Delhi Police is using a facial recognition system to harass people and unlawfully restrict their freedom. This claim is false and misleading. Delhi Police has not unlawfully detained any individual or restricted anyone’s freedom through the use of facial recognition technology. The viral notice is fake and has no authenticity,” the police said in its official statement.
According to the police, the forged notice was designed to resemble an authentic government communication, carrying Delhi Police branding and references to its official website to create an appearance of legitimacy.
The fabricated notice instructed recipients to:
Delhi Police clarified that none of these claims had any official basis. Authorities confirmed that no such notices had been drafted or issued and rejected the assertions regarding continuous surveillance and location tracking as completely false.
Following the police clarification, several social media accounts that had shared the forged notice, including CJP and other prominent users, reportedly deleted their posts. The reasons for the deletions have not been publicly stated.
