New Delhi, August 12: The Government of India has stepped up efforts to ensure credible and accurate dissemination of information through fact-checking mechanisms, public service broadcasting and regulatory measures governing digital media.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s principal information dissemination agency, provides information on government policies and programmes through multiple media platforms and in several languages, including regional languages and dialects.
The government has established a Fact Check Unit (FCU) within PIB to counter fake news and misinformation concerning government initiatives. The unit verifies claims related to Central ministries, departments, public sector undertakings and other government organisations through a structured fact-checking process before disseminating verified information.
Public broadcasters Doordarshan and Akashvani also play a key role in disseminating verified information through news bulletins, programmes and digital platforms. DD News follows a multi-layered editorial process involving fact-checking, cross-verification from credible sources and editorial scrutiny. Content verified by PIB Fact Check is also regularly incorporated into the news and digital platforms of Doordarshan and Akashvani.
The government has also put in place the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The rules prescribe due diligence obligations for intermediaries and a Code of Ethics for publishers of digital news and OTT platforms. They also provide for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism involving publishers, self-regulating bodies and government oversight.
Besides information dissemination and regulation, the government is promoting the film and media sector through initiatives such as the Development, Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme, India Cine Hub and the National Film Heritage Mission.
India Cine Hub provides a single-window mechanism for film-shooting permissions, while the National Film Heritage Mission focuses on preserving, restoring, digitising and archiving the country’s cinematic heritage.
The government is also strengthening international cooperation in broadcasting. Prasar Bharati has 48 active memoranda of understanding with broadcasters from different countries covering content exchange, professional expertise and best practices.
The government organised the first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in Mumbai in May 2025, bringing together creators, producers, startups, global buyers, investors, OTT platforms and technology leaders from more than 100 countries.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr L. Murugan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
