Now Reading: PIB fact-check unit loses statutory backing as Centre develops AI tools
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PIB fact-check unit loses statutory backing as Centre develops AI tools
PIB fact-check unit loses statutory backing as Centre develops AI tools
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told a parliamentary committee that the PIB Fact Check Unit no longer has statutory status after the Bombay High Court struck down the relevant Information Technology…
The Story in Brief
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told a parliamentary committee that the PIB Fact Check Unit no longer has statutory status after the Bombay High Court struck down the relevant Information Technology Rules provision. The Centre has challenged that ruling in the Supreme Court, while related petitions are before the Delhi High Court. The unit continues to operate, using open-source tools and manual checks to verify viral content.
The ministry said it is working with the National e-Governance Division on an AI chatbot for real-time claim checks, a digital archive and a system to detect manipulated content. It reported that the unit published more than 2,900 fact-checks in April. The government also said India has no law specifically defining fake news, though existing laws cover some harmful misinformation.
The Indian Opinion
The claim that losing statutory backing has ended official fact-checking is wrong, as is the opposite idea that an AI tool can settle truth automatically. The ministry itself says current tools are less effective than manual verification, while platforms, media houses and independent fact-checkers often work separately. Any future system needs published methods, correction records and safeguards against political misuse. Will its accuracy and correction rate be made public?,
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
