Policy Watch
PIB Fact Check Unit Appointed as Central Nodal Point to Fight Fake News in India
Govt strengthens fight vs fake news! PIB Fact Check Unit now central authority. Report suspicious info on govt schemes via WhatsApp & get the facts!
NEW DELHI: In a move to combat the spread of misinformation, the Government of India has designated the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the central fact-checking body. This notification was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms. The MIB and MeitY have been working together to address this challenge and ensure the public receives accurate information about government policies and initiatives.
Established in November 2019, the PIB FCU has been actively working to:
- Identify and debunk false information about government schemes and announcements.
- Deter the creation and dissemination of fake news.
- Provide citizens with an easy way to report suspicious content.
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The FCU tackles misinformation through various means:
- Proactive monitoring: They actively track online platforms for potential disinformation campaigns.
- Responding to complaints: Citizens can submit queries via WhatsApp, email, Twitter, or the PIB website.
- Fact-checking and clarification: The FCU investigates claims and publishes fact-checks to set the record straight.
Accessibility is a priority for the FCU. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, they ensure all their fact-checks are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing “Alternative Text” (ALT descriptions) for images on their social media platforms.
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Citizens can reach the PIB Fact Check Unit through the following channels:
- WhatsApp: +918799711259
- Email: pibfactcheck[at]gmail[dot]com
- Twitter: @PIBFactCheck
- Website: https://factcheck.pib.gov.in/
This initiative by the government highlights its commitment to combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring citizens have access to verified information.