Karnataka Government Launches ‘Fact-Checking Unit’ to Counter Fake News
The Karnataka government has taken a significant step in tackling the spread of fake news by setting up a ‘fact-checking unit’ to monitor social media platforms. The unit, which will comprise government officials, police officers, academics, lawyers, and civil society members, aims to identify and flag misleading posts and news reports as ‘misinformation,’ ‘disinformation,’ or ‘malinformation.’
Priyank Kharge, the State Information Technology and BioTechnology Minister, explained that the fact-checking unit will play a crucial role in combating the dissemination of false or inaccurate information. Notably, news organizations found guilty of spreading ‘disinformation’ or ‘malinformation’ may face legal consequences.
In the past, attempts by the Union government to establish a fact-checking unit faced criticism due to the involvement of government officials. In response, the Karnataka government’s proposal includes a process whereby government officials conduct fact-checking, followed by a final review conducted by the Superintendent of Police, Intelligence, or another designated officer from the Home Department.
The government officials participating in this initiative represent various departments, including Information Technology, BioTechnology and Science and Technology, and the Department of Information and Public Relations. Additionally, the fact-checking unit includes the Managing Director of Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society, the Division of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Science at the Indian Institute of Science, the Additional Advocate General of CySecK, and representatives from civil society.
According to Priyank Kharge, misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information shared without any malicious intent. As an example, he mentioned a popular WhatsApp message claiming that India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, had won a UNESCO award. Although this statement is untrue, it does not cause any harm to the public.
In contrast, disinformation refers to deliberately deceptive false or inaccurate information propagated with the intention to cause harm. Kharge highlighted the tweets made by BJP leader Arvind Limbavali surrounding the death of Paresh Mesta, an 18-year-old whose tragic demise in December 2017 led to communal violence in Uttara Kannada district. BJP leaders, including Limbavali, falsely alleged that Mesta was brutally murdered, with graphic details of castration and boiling oil poured on his head. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation concluded that Mesta’s cause of death was drowning.
The establishment of the fact-checking unit by the Karnataka government is expected to create a more reliable and trustworthy online environment. By actively monitoring social media platforms and news reports, the government aims to curb the spread of fake news and prevent its potentially harmful consequences.
This move has received both support and criticism, with proponents praising the initiative’s potential to maintain public trust and ensure accurate information dissemination. However, concerns have been raised regarding the involvement of government officials in the fact-checking process. In response, the Karnataka government’s approach involves expert professionals and diverse stakeholders, providing a broader oversight mechanism.
Through this proactive step, the Karnataka government is taking a stand against the proliferation of fake news, safeguarding the citizens from misleading information while promoting a responsible digital ecosystem.
