Centre Designates PIB as Official Fact Checker for Online Content

Centre Designates PIB as Official Fact Checker for Online Content

VoM News Desk | March 20, 2024 | 10:39 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Centre Designates PIB as Official Fact Checker for Online Content

Centre Designates PIB as Official Fact Checker for Online Content

The Centre has officially designated the Press Information Bureau (PIB) as the fact-checking unit for online content related to the government’s affairs. This unit, established in November 2019, has now been notified under the IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Nodal Agency for Ensuring Accuracy

The Fact Check Unit, as per the notification, will serve as the central government’s nodal agency to tackle fake news or misinformation concerning government matters. It will monitor online content for accuracy and alert about any false information related to the central government.

Recent Developments and Legal Challenges

The notification comes after the Bombay High Court declined to restrain the Centre from notifying the unit, despite a petition filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and the Editors Guild of India. The matter is now expected to be heard by the Supreme Court.

Role and Responsibilities

Under the amended IT Rules of 2021, the fact-check unit will flag any posts containing fake, false, or misleading information about the government to social media intermediaries. These intermediaries are required to take down such content to maintain their legal immunity against third-party content.

Mission and Objective

The fact check unit, established with the aim of combating fake news and misinformation, provides a platform for reporting suspicious information concerning the Government of India. It is tasked with countering misinformation on government policies, initiatives, and schemes, either proactively or in response to complaints.

Active Monitoring and Countermeasures

The unit actively monitors, detects, and counters disinformation campaigns, ensuring that false information about the government is promptly exposed and corrected. Its role is crucial in maintaining the accuracy and credibility of information related to government affairs in the online sphere.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.