PIB unit identified over 1,500 cases of ‘fake news’ about Modi govt since 2022: I&B ministry

The information and broadcasting ministry on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that the Fact Check Unit of its Press Information Bureau identified 97 cases of "fake news" pertaining to the union government this year.

This information was tabled in the lower house of Parliament in response to a starred question by Congress MP G Kumar Naik on the workings of the PIB unit. Since 2022, the unit has identified 1,575 instances of “fake news” about the government of India, said the ministry.

As of March 19, PIB had received 5,200 complaints and fact-check requests this year on its hotline and website regarding the Indian government, according to the government. Of the 5,200 complaints, 1,811 were identified as actionable queries.

Since 2022, the unit has received 72, 914 complaints and fact-check requests. A total of 22,861 requests were identified as actionable queries.

In times of misinformation, you need news you can trust. We’ve got you covered. Subscribe to Newslaundry and power our work.