Karnataka
Karnataka Inches Closer Towards Having Its 'Information Disorder Tackling Unit' — More Details
Swarajya Staff
Oct 06, 2023, 12:12 PM | Updated 12:12 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The Government of Karnataka (GoK) has announced its intentions to combat misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and fake news by establishing an 'Information Disorder Tackling Unit'.
Earlier, when the fact-check unit was announced, and punishment was being planned for those who perpetrate fake news, Editors Guild of India and several prominent citizens expressed their concern regarding the establishment of such a unit, stating that it impedes privacy and oversteps the boundaries of how much the state can get involved in matters pertaining to free speech and expression.
The recently floated Expression of Interest (EoI) invites agencies to participate in the empanelment process for setting up this unit. IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge tweeted the following:
The EoI includes:
1. Fact Verification Team: This group will consist of impartial fact-checking organizations chosen by the state government to detect and address false information.
2. Analytics Squad: Utilizing advanced technologies such as data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, this team will actively oversee the ecosystem of misinformation.
3. Capacity Development Team: This team will lead public awareness campaigns to educate people about the presence and consequences of the misinformation ecosystem. The deadline for proposal submission is October 16, 2023.
Govt of Karnataka is serious about tackling misinformation, disinformation, malinformation & fake news. The Expression of Interest has been floated for empanelment of agencies to set up an Information Disorder Tackling Unit for the Government.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪà³à²°à²¿à²¯à²¾à²à²à³ à²à²°à³à²à³ (@PriyankKharge) October 4, 2023
The EoI includes:
+ Fact⦠pic.twitter.com/MsK5FZySm9
There are concerns about the potential misuse of this unit for suppressing dissent or critical voices under the guise of combating misinformation. It is essential that the unit operates transparently, independently, and within the bounds of democratic principles to avoid undermining freedom of speech and expression.
The timing of this initiative also raises questions.
With a deadline for proposal submission by October 16, 2023, the urgency to establish such a unit seems driven by political motivations rather than a genuine commitment to addressing misinformation.
Recently, the Karnataka government lodged an FIR against news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary for allegedly reporting 'fake news'.
Chaudhary was booked at the Seshadripuram police station in Bengaluru on multiple counts, many of which are non-bailable offences, according to the sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complaint was filed by an official belonging to the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.