Lok Sabha Question No. 1824 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Cases of Manipulated Videos on Social Media
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1824

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025)

CASES OF MANIPULATED VIDEOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

1824. SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number  of reported cases involving the circulation  of  false  data,  fake  news  or  manipulated  videos  on  social and digital media platforms during the last three years along with the action taken in each case;
- (b) the details of mechanisms currently exist to verify and act upon the dissemination of false statistical or economic data particularly when such data is used to mislead the public or influence policy debates;
- (c)  the  details  of  misinformation  and  deliberately  targeted  news content intended to defame individuals, institutions or political groups and the legal recourse exists for victims of such targeted misinformation campaigns;
- (d)  whether there is any independent oversight on the functioning of Government-authorised  fact-checking  bodies  to  ensure  that  they  do not suppress dissent or critical journalism under the pretext of curbing fake news and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)    whether  there  is  any  specific  strategy  to  detect  and  counter deepfakes, AI-generated false content and digitally altered narratives that spread misinformation during elections or communal tensions?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

(DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a)  to  (e):  Government has a sovereign duty to tackle fake news and misinformation.

Legal Provisions to counter misinformation include:

-  Print Media: Newspapers have to adhere to 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' brought out by the Press Council of India (PCI). These norms inter-alia restrain publication of fake/ defamatory/  misleading  news.  The  Council  holds  inquiry  into alleged violations of the norms, as per section 14 of the Act, and may warn, admonish or censure the newspaper, editors, journalists, etc. as the case may be.
-  Television  media:  TV  channels  are  required  to  adhere  to  the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation)  Act,  1995,  which,  inter  alia,  provides  that  content which  contains  anything  obscene,  defamatory,  deliberate,  false and suggestive innuendos and half-truths is not broadcast. Cable Television  Network  (Amendment)  Rules,  2021,  provides  for  a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism  to look into the complaints  relating  to  the  violation  of  the  Code  by  the  TV channels. Appropriate action is taken where violation of Programme Code is found.
-  Digital media: For the publishers of news and current affairs on digital media, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021) provide for a Code of Ethics.

A  Fact  Check  Unit  (FCU)  has  been  set  up  under  Press  Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November, 2019 to check  fake  news  relating  to  the  Central  Government.  After  verifying the authenticity of news  from  authorized sources in Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, FCU posts correct information on its social media platforms. Under  the  Section  69A  of  the  Information  Technology  Act,  2000, Government issues necessary orders to block websites, social media handles and posts in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order.

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