The Uttar Pradesh Police has received national recognition for its innovative use of technology in policing. The department won two major awards at the ET GovTech Awards 2026, highlighting its efforts to improve public safety and communication through digital tools.
The police force was honoured in two different categories. Its fact-check initiative received the award for Digital Policing and Law Enforcement Excellence. At the same time, its Meta Suicidal Alert system was recognised under the Digital Citizen Engagement and Grievance Redressal category.
This achievement makes the Uttar Pradesh Police the only state police force to win awards in two separate categories in the same year at this event. The awards were presented in New Delhi and received by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna.
These recognitions show how technology is becoming an important part of modern policing. By using digital platforms and tools, the police are not only maintaining law and order but also addressing social issues like misinformation and mental health.
One of the key initiatives that received recognition is the fact-checking system launched by the Uttar Pradesh Police. This initiative started in 2017 to deal with the growing problem of fake news and misinformation on social media.
The police created a dedicated handle called @UPPViralCheck on the platform now known as X. It was the first time in India that a state police department launched its own fact-checking handle to directly address misleading content online.
Over time, the initiative expanded to other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. A special fact-check desk now works 24 hours a day to verify information and respond quickly to false claims.
The team uses modern techniques like reverse image searches, geolocation tracking, and metadata analysis. These tools help them find out whether a piece of content is real or fake. Once verified, the police share correct information with the public to stop rumours from spreading.
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The impact of this initiative has been significant. The @UPPViralCheck handle has recorded millions of impressions, showing that people are actively following and trusting it. The police have issued over 4,100 clarifications and registered more than 300 FIRs against those spreading false information.
Fake news can often lead to panic, confusion, or even communal tension. By acting quickly, the Uttar Pradesh Police has been able to prevent such situations and maintain peace in many areas.
Another important initiative that received recognition is the Meta Suicidal Alert system. This system is designed to help people who may be at risk of harming themselves.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has partnered with Meta, which owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram. When a user posts content that suggests suicidal thoughts, Meta’s system detects it and sends an alert to the police.
Once the alert is received, the police try to identify the location of the individual. They then reach out to the person and provide help as quickly as possible. This may include counselling, medical support, or immediate intervention.
This initiative is one of the first of its kind in India, where a state police force is using social media technology to address mental health issues. It shows a shift in the role of police from only enforcing laws to also supporting the well-being of citizens.
Mental health is a growing concern, especially in today’s fast-paced and stressful environment. Many people express their emotions online, and such systems help ensure that those in need do not go unnoticed.
By acting quickly on these alerts, the police can prevent tragedies and provide timely help. This initiative has been praised for its innovative approach and its focus on saving lives.
In conclusion, the Uttar Pradesh Police has set an example of how technology can be used effectively in governance and public service. Winning two awards at the ET GovTech Awards 2026 reflects its commitment to innovation and citizen welfare.
From fighting fake news to helping individuals in distress, these initiatives show how modern policing is evolving. As more departments adopt similar approaches, technology will continue to play a key role in making society safer and more informed.
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