New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS): There is a need to find creative solutions which do not unreasonably curb the freedom of expression social media tools provide and that check its misuse also, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a conference here Saturday.

"We witnessed misuse of the social media and SMSes to fan violence during the recent disturbances in Muzaffarnagar (in Uttar Pradesh)," the prime minister said addressing the annual conference of top police officials.

"Last year, disinformation spread through these means contributed to a mass exodus of people belonging to the northeast from southern states like Karnataka," he said.

The prime minister said it is widely accepted that social media platforms facilitate exchange of knowledge, information and ideas and can be used for constructive purposes.

"Therefore, in preventing its misuse, we need to find creative solutions which do not unreasonably curb the freedom of expression and the ease of communication that social media does provide," he added.