India Officially Designates PIB as Fact-Checking Authority for Government-Related Online Content
The Press Information Bureau's fact check unit, established in 2019, is now the official authority for monitoring and verifying online content about the government, following a recent notification.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Press Information Bureau's fact check unit as the central government's official fact-checking body under IT Rules of 2021.
- The move has sparked concerns among tech giants and journalists over potential misuse and impact on press freedom.
- The fact check unit aims to counter misinformation on government policies and initiatives, and requires social media platforms to remove flagged content to maintain legal immunity.
- Legal challenges against the notification have been filed, with a Supreme Court hearing expected soon.
- Critics argue the designation could lead to self-censorship among social media firms and infringe on journalistic freedom.
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