In an effort to strengthen the fight against misinformation and ensure the public has access to verified and authentic information, the Fact Check Unit (FCU) of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has urged citizens to actively report suspected fake news and misleading content related to the Government of India. This appeal was formally communicated in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to counter the spread of false narratives in the digital space.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, informed the Upper House that members of the public can submit complaints or requests for fact-checking of news and information items circulating about the government through multiple official channels. These include a dedicated WhatsApp hotline, email support, and the official PIB Fact Check website, ensuring easy and accessible avenues for citizens to participate in combating misinformation.

Official Channels to Report Fake or Misleading Government-Related Content

According to the details shared in Parliament, individuals who come across suspicious or potentially false information concerning the Government of India can send it directly to the PIB Fact Check Unit via WhatsApp at +91 8799711259. In addition to the messaging platform, complaints and fact-check requests can also be submitted through the official email address factcheck@pib.gov.in or by visiting the PIB Fact Check Unit’s website at https://factcheck.pib.gov.in.

These channels have been established to ensure that misinformation is identified and addressed swiftly, allowing verified information to reach the public without delay.

Establishment and Objective of the PIB Fact Check Unit

The PIB Fact Check Unit was set up under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November 2019. Its primary objective is to counter the dissemination of fake news and misinformation related to policies, decisions, and activities of the Government of India. Since its inception, the unit has played a critical role in monitoring digital platforms and addressing misleading narratives that could potentially misinform or confuse the public.

By verifying claims and correcting inaccuracies, the unit acts as a reliable source of factual information and helps maintain transparency between the government and citizens.

How the PIB Fact Check Unit Verifies Information

The fact-checking process followed by the PIB Fact Check Unit is structured and systematic. The unit not only receives complaints and fact-check requests from the public through its website and WhatsApp hotline but also takes suo motu cognizance of viral content that requires verification.

Once information is received, it is first examined to determine whether it falls within the scope and mandate of the Fact Check Unit. Content that pertains directly to the Government of India is then taken up for further scrutiny. The unit verifies the authenticity of such information by cross-checking it with authorized and official sources.

After verification, the PIB Fact Check Unit employs an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy to raise awareness. Creative and engaging content is developed to ensure the verified information is suitable for dissemination across various social media platforms. This approach helps the corrected information reach a wider audience effectively.

Dissemination of Verified Information Through Digital Platforms

Once the verification process is complete, the PIB Fact Check Unit publishes the fact-checked and accurate information on its official social media handles. This enables quick correction of false claims and ensures that citizens receive credible updates directly from an authoritative source. The unit’s active presence on digital platforms strengthens public trust and reduces the impact of misinformation.

Role of PIB Fact Check Unit During Operation Sindoor

The PIB Fact Check Unit has also demonstrated its effectiveness during critical situations. During Operation Sindoor, the unit played a significant role in monitoring online content related to the Government of India. It actively countered misinformation and hostile narratives by promptly fact-checking false claims and providing authentic, verified information.

Through timely public communication, the unit helped prevent the spread of misleading and anti-India narratives, reinforcing the importance of fact-based reporting during sensitive operations and national events.

Parliamentary Disclosure in Rajya Sabha

The information regarding the functioning, objectives, and public outreach mechanisms of the PIB Fact Check Unit was presented by Dr. L. Murugan in the Rajya Sabha. The response was submitted in reply to a question raised by Shri Sujeet Kumar, underscoring parliamentary oversight and transparency in the government’s approach to tackling misinformation.

Strengthening Public Participation Against Fake News

By encouraging citizens to report suspected fake news and providing multiple official channels to do so, the PIB Fact Check Unit is fostering greater public participation in maintaining an informed digital ecosystem. The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to ensure that accurate, verified, and trustworthy information reaches the public, particularly in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly across online platforms.

As misinformation continues to pose challenges to public discourse, the PIB Fact Check Unit remains a crucial mechanism for safeguarding factual communication and reinforcing confidence in official information sources.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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