Centre directs YouTube to put disclaimers on 'fake news' channels

Attempt to bring down misinformation before elections

The Centre has directed YouTube to put disclaimers on channels likely to be spreading ‘fake’ news, according to sources. This comes months after the government’s plan to appoint a fact-checking unit met with controversy over possible censorship.

In an attempt to crack down on online “misinformation” ahead of the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has sent a memorandum to several digital platforms.

The letter, seen by Business Standard, asks all significant social media intermediaries (SSMIs) to submit an action taken note on dispelling ‘fake’ news and unlawful content within 10 days.