MeitY notifies social media platforms to curb fake news related to Covid-19

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified all social media platforms to remove fake news related to the Covid-19 pandemic, along with the user accounts propagating them.

The platforms have also been asked to initiate awareness campaigns to fight fake news.

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The MeitY cited media reports and said there have been instances of circulation of misinformation/false news, where data related to Covid-19 has been shared anonymously on social media platforms, creating panic among the public.

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Social media platforms are categorised as intermediaries under Section 2(1)(w) of the Information and Technology Act, 2000. The MeitY has advised all such intermediaries to inform their users not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, update or share any information that may affect public order, according to the  statement.