A Look Into The Government's Fact Check Unit Amid Supreme Court's Intervention

The narrative took an unexpected turn when the Supreme Court intervened, putting a temporary halt to the implementation of the FCU notification

Digital Desk: An official Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been actively operating within the Press Information Bureau (PIB) for over four years, tasked with debunking misinformation. Recently, a significant development occurred with the government's notification seeking to elevate the FCU's status by granting it legal recognition and authority. This move aimed to empower the FCU to label online content as "fake" under the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, compelling online platforms to take it down.

However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when the Supreme Court intervened, putting a temporary halt to the implementation of the FCU notification. This pause in proceedings awaits a final decision from the Bombay High Court, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal saga.

The FCU, headquartered at the National Media Centre in New Delhi and led by Alok Mishra, the PIB's Additional Director General, operates with the primary objective of countering misinformation related to government policies, initiatives, and schemes. Citizens are encouraged by the unit to report misinformation through various channels, such as WhatsApp, email, or social media posts.

According to an official of the FCU said that upon receiving complaints, the FCU follows a careful two-step evaluation process. Firstly, it conducts thorough research against authoritative government sources and cross-references with the concerned ministry. Subsequently, the unit creates content for dissemination, adhering to the "FACT model" – Find, Assess, Create, and Target.

Embracing transparency and credibility, the FCU solely relies on government-approved sources for verification, excluding inputs from private organizations. Technological tools, including reverse image search and video analysis, are deployed to identify misleading content circulating on social media platforms.

With the Supreme Court's intervention, the fate of the FCU hangs in the balance, awaiting the resolution of legal proceedings. Depending on the outcome, the FCU may continue to play a pivotal role in combatting misinformation regarding government affairs, impacting freedom of expression and the dissemination of accurate information.