The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : A fact-check unit of the Central government has identified more than 1,500 fake news items in the last three years, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister revealed that the Fact Check Unit (FCU) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has received over 72,000 queries during this period. The unit has been instrumental in verifying and debunking misinformation related to government policies, schemes, and official announcements.
Established in 2019, the PIB Fact Check Unit was created with the objective of countering the spread of fake news and misinformation concerning government affairs. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the public receives authentic and verified information, especially in an era where false narratives spread rapidly through digital platforms. The Minister emphasized that the unit regularly posts fact-checked and corrected information on its social media handles, helping citizens stay informed with accurate updates.
With the increasing reliance on social media for news consumption, the proliferation of fake news, misleading claims, and manipulated content has become a significant challenge. The Fact Check Unit actively monitors and investigates viral news related to government policies, job recruitment, welfare schemes, and official statements. Once verified, false claims are publicly debunked through official channels, ensuring that misinformation does not mislead the masses. The Minister urged citizens to remain cautious and verify the credibility of information before sharing it on digital platforms.
To further assist the public in identifying and reporting fake news, the government has made it easier for people to reach out to the Fact Check Unit. Citizens can submit their fact-check requests via the WhatsApp Hotline – 8799711259 or through the official PIB Fact Check website. These platforms provide a direct avenue for individuals to report suspicious news items and seek clarification on matters related to government affairs.
The increasing number of misinformation cases has prompted the government to enhance its digital monitoring mechanisms. With the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deepfake technology, fake news is becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Recognizing this evolving threat, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been working on strengthening fact-check measures, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging responsible journalism. Minister Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fighting misinformation by equipping citizens with tools to verify the authenticity of the information they consume.
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