Karnataka announces framework for fact-checking unit

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday announced a framework for the proposed fact-checking unit in the state.

The unit includes an oversight committee, a review Single Point of Contact (SPOC), and nodal officers.

The oversight committee will comprise key figures from various domains, such as the head of the Department of Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, the Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence/CID), a representative from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), MD of Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), dean of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Sciences (EECS) at the Indian Institute of Science, an additional advocate general, the head of Karnataka cybersecurity center of excellence, and representatives from civil society, Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru.


The review SPOC will be led by a superintendent of police from the intelligence department or a designated home department representative, he said.

Kharge said this being done in a bid to address the growing issue of misinformation and fake news.

He further said the unit will be impartial and said, "Fact-checking will be conducted in multiple languages, including Kannada, English, and other regional languages."

Also read | Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge says 'fact-checking unit' not meant to impinge on press freedom

It will rely on primary sources wherever available and ensure transparency by disclosing all sources referenced. In cases of unclear facts, the unit will provide all available unambiguous information and make transparent corrections when new facts emerge, he said.

He further clarified that the fact-checking team would be responsible for both conducting fact-checks and managing communication and outreach efforts.

Additionally, an analytics team will monitor the information ecosystem, provide early intelligence, and identify key sources of information disorder.

Meanwhile, a capacity-building team will focus on public awareness campaigns and the development of applications to strengthen the information ecosystem.

"Once the content is submitted to the public, fact-checking agencies will initiate proactive investigations, conduct initial analyses, and submit their conclusions to the state government," Kharge said.

If content blocking is deemed necessary, it will be referred to the Central government, he said.

In cases of breaches on social media platforms used by the public, reports will be made to the liaison of social media intermediaries, he explained.

Legal experts had previously told ET that the establishment of a fact check unit by the State will be ultra vires and void, and that the IT Act does not provide for states to set up their own units.