Karnataka floats expression of interest for fact checking unit

Karnataka has floated an expression of interest (EoI) for empanelling agencies to set up an Information Disorder Tackling Unit (IDTU) for the state government. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge posted on social media platform X that the state government was serious about tackling misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and fake news.

The government has set October 16 as the last day for submission of proposals for the project.

The EoI, according to Kharge, includes:


Fact verification team: This group will consist of impartial fact-checking organizations chosen by the state government to detect and address false information.

Analytics squad: Utilizing advanced technologies such as data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, this team will actively oversee the ecosystem of misinformation.

Capacity development team: This team will lead public awareness campaigns to educate people about the presence and consequences of the misinformation ecosystem.