Overview

• 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.