Government Says Multi-layered Safeguards Are In Place To Curb Fake News Across Print, Tv And Digital Media

The government has outlined a multi-tier framework to tackle fake news and misinformation across media platforms, saying the response combines fact-checking, statutory regulation and grievance redressal mechanisms spanning print, television, digital platforms and community radio. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan said the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) continues to play a central role in identifying and countering false information related to the Central Government.

According to the ministry, the FCU verifies questionable claims through authorised sources and then publishes corrected information on its social media platforms for wider dissemination, including in border districts. During Operation Sindoor, the unit actively flagged misinformation circulating online, while the ministry also ordered the blocking of more than 1,400 digital media URLs carrying what it described as false, misleading, anti-India and communally sensitive content, much of it traced to Pakistan-based social media accounts and material inciting hostility against the Indian Armed Forces.

The government said such blocking action is taken under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows it to restrict websites, social media handles and posts in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, state security and public order.

Beyond emergency or platform-specific action, the ministry said separate regulatory systems are already in place for different media categories. Newspapers are expected to follow the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, under which the Council can inquire into complaints and issue warnings, admonitions or censure in cases involving fake, defamatory or misleading reports. Television broadcasters, meanwhile, are governed by the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, with the 2021 amendment rules providing a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for alleged violations.

For digital publishers of news and current affairs, as well as online curated content, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provide a Code of Ethics and a three-level grievance framework. The ministry said it also issues advisories to private satellite television channels from time to time to ensure compliance with both the Programme Code and the Advertising Code.

The government also highlighted the role of Community Radio Stations in countering misinformation, especially in border districts and local communities. These stations are expected to broadcast content of immediate local relevance, operate with advisory and content committees drawn from the community, and preferably use local languages and dialects to improve trust, outreach and comprehension.

Reference: PIB