Centre notifies its fact check unit to red-flag news it considers false

Syllabus: GS-II Subject:Polity  Topic:Institutions

Issue: Fact checking unit

Context:Union Electronics and IT Ministry notified a Fact Checking Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau.

FCU Functions:

• It is tasked with flagging false information related to the Central government on social media.
• Social media platforms are mandated to take down flagged content or lose their safe harbour privileges.
• Safe harbour refers to provisions in law(Section 79 of IT Act 2000) that protect online platforms like Facebook or Twitter from being held liable for content posted by their users.

Criticism:

• Chilling effect on free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
• Concerns about press freedom and government impartiality.
• Could be used to suppress criticism of the government.

Source: The Hindu