The Centre has chosen the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to lead the proposed three-member body to verify any information pertaining to the government that is published on social media and internet intermediaries. The body will consist of two officials from the IT ministry as well as a third independent member with expertise in law, social media or public policy.
If the body, lead by MeitY officials gets appointed as per the report, in that case, the Press Information Bureau (PIB)’s job of fact-checking and debunking fake news will slowly go to this body. Before these reports, PIB was the preferred agency, knowing for carrying out such fact-checking exercise.
As per a report, the proposed MeitY-led fact-checking body is expected to just verify news and fact-based information. It will reportedly not be empowered to screen or assess opinions that are presented by the publications.
Since the move has invited criticism from stakeholders as well, the MeitY-led three-member body will also reportedly be required to publicly specify the reason behind any take-down orders that it issues. However, a final decision on the powers to be granted to this body is yet to be known.
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