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The Council of Ministers has also sought to obtain a monthly report on the implementation of these measures. The government claims that a similar verification unit by the former BJP has been disbanded. (image file / pti)
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also held a detailed meeting with the state Home Minister G Parameshwara, asking his ministry to be careful in tackling fake news, especially with the approaching Lok Sabha elections.
The new Congress government in Karnataka is taking social media content and narrative very seriously in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The ruling party believes that political opponents who used social media during Prime Minister Mr. Siddaramaiah’s first term to bring disrepute to the government are back at it again. The Congress government says opponents had earlier attempted to “stir up unrest in society by spreading false news about child thieves, beef carriers, etc”.
The chief minister has now asked the state home secretary to ensure that all sources of fake news are tracked.
CM Siddaramaiah claimed that “there are indications that attempts will be made to launch gang attacks and riots through fake news and rumours”.
The prime minister also held a detailed meeting with Home Minister G Parameshwara, asking his ministry to be careful in tackling fake news, especially with the approaching Lok Sabha elections.
The state government has also decided to set up fact-checking teams at the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office and at the state police headquarters.
Aside from busting fake news and creating awareness among netizens, the police department’s cyber cell has been actively tracking individuals who make fake news and who spread it.
The Council of Ministers has also sought to obtain a monthly report on the implementation of these measures. The government claims that a similar verification unit by the former BJP has been disbanded.
“We will have a fact-checking unit soon, and we will take action on any news that is being spread with bad intent. We will have a heavy fact-checking unit in the state. Anyone trying to spread fake news and false narratives,” said Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Karg.
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