PIB Fact Check Unit Urges Citizens to Report Fake News
Public can share suspected misinformation on government issues via WhatsApp, email and PIB portal
- PIB Fact Check Unit invites public to report suspected fake news at +91 8799711259
- Unit verifies misinformation related to Government of India
- Fact-checked information shared across PIB digital platforms
- Played key role in countering misinformation during Operation Sindoor
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Dec: The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) has invited citizens to report suspected fake news and misinformation related to the Government of India through its dedicated WhatsApp hotline at +91 8799711259, email and official website.
The Fact Check Unit was established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November 2019 with the objective of countering the spread of fake news and misleading information concerning government policies, programmes and actions.
Citizens can submit fact-check requests or complaints via WhatsApp at +918799711259, email at factcheck@pib.gov.in, or through the PIB Fact Check website factcheck.pib.gov.in.
According to the government, the FCU undertakes both suo-moto verification of viral content and checks complaints received from the public. Information is first screened to determine whether it falls within the unit’s mandate. Once verified using authorised sources, the FCU disseminates accurate information using an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy through creative digital content.
The fact-checked and verified information is shared across PIB’s official social media handles to ensure authentic information reaches the public and misinformation is promptly countered.
The PIB Fact Check Unit played a key role during Operation Sindoor, when it actively countered false claims and hostile online narratives by swiftly verifying facts and sharing accurate information, helping prevent the spread of misleading and anti-India content.
The information was shared by Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr L. Murugan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Sujeet Kumar.
