New Delhi: The Centre has officially designated the fact check unit under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to oversee the accuracy of online content related to the government.
This unit, established under the IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will serve as the central government's fact-checking body for government-related matters.
In a notification, the central government stated, "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 Fact Check Unit, as the nodal agency, will be responsible for identifying and addressing fake news or misinformation concerning the central government.
This development follows the Bombay High Court's decision not to restrain the Centre from implementing the unit, despite objections raised by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and the Editors Guild of India.
The petitioners have subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court's verdict, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Last year, in April, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) introduced the 2023 Rules, which amended the Information Technology Rules, 2021. According to these rules, the fact check unit, upon identifying or receiving reports of "fake", "false", or "misleading" content related to government affairs, will notify social media intermediaries to remove such content in order to maintain their legal immunity.
Established in November 2019, the fact check unit under PIB aims to combat the spread of fake news and misinformation by swiftly identifying and correcting false information regarding government policies, initiatives, and schemes.
It provides a platform for individuals to report suspicious content related to the Government of India and is tasked with proactively countering disinformation campaigns.