The Central Government announced the establishment of a fact-check unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Wednesday, aimed at monitoring online content related to the government's affairs for accuracy. The unit, mandated under the IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is designated as the official fact-checking body for the Central Government.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (v) of clause (b) of sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Central Government hereby notifies the Fact Check Unit under the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as the fact check unit of the Central Government for the purposes of the said sub-clause, in respect of any business of the Central Government,” the gazette notification said.
Nodal agency to combat misinformation
The Fact Check Unit, as per the notification, will serve as the central agency responsible for identifying and alerting about instances of fake news or misinformation concerning the central government. It will play a pivotal role in combating the spread of false information across digital platforms.
Legal battle and recent developments
The notification comes in the wake of the Bombay High Court's recent decision to reject a plea seeking to halt the Centre from establishing the fact-check unit. Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and the Editors Guild of India had filed the petition, prompting a legal battle over the unit's formation. The matter is now slated to be heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday.
Amendment to IT rules
In April of the previous year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) introduced the 2023 Rules, amending the Information Technology Rules, 2021. Under these new regulations, the fact-checking unit is empowered to identify and flag any online content deemed fake, false, or misleading concerning government affairs to social media intermediaries.
Role of the Fact Check unit
Established in November 2019, the fact check unit under PIB aims to curb the proliferation of fake news and misinformation. It serves as a platform for individuals to report suspicious information related to the Government of India. The unit's primary mandate is to debunk misinformation surrounding government policies, initiatives, and schemes, either proactively or in response to complaints.
Countering disinformation
The unit actively monitors and counters disinformation campaigns, ensuring that false information concerning the government is promptly identified, corrected, and countered. By providing accurate information to the public, it seeks to uphold transparency and integrity in government communication.
