Circulation of Fake Information in the Name of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology

**Executive Summary** This notification from the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), dated November 26, 2025, addresses the circulation of fake information, specifically a fake notice dated November 25, 2025. It advises the public and stakeholders to be cautious of unverified information and clarifies that MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees or provide services without official notification. Strict legal action will be taken against those creating or spreading fake information. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Notice Alert:** A fake notice dated November 25, 2025, concerning a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities," is being circulated. * **Unauthorized Activities:** Certain individuals and online platforms are falsely using MeitY's name, logo, and authority to circulate misleading information. * **General Public Advisory:** * Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY. * Verify information through the official MeitY website and communication channels. * MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide services without official notification. * Any person involved in creating or circulating fake information will face strict legal action. * **Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities:** * No YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centres, websites, or social media pages are authorized to use Government names, emblems, or examination content for commercial purposes. * Several platforms are misusing official exam names to sell courses, promote study materials, publish unofficial keys, and analyse previous question papers. * Punishments for Violation: Strict legal action. * Under Indian Penal Code (IPC): * Section 170: Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine. * Section 420: Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine. * Under IT Act, 2000: * Section 66D: Up to 3 years imprisonment + ₹1,00,000 fine. * Under Emblems & Names Act, 1950: * Fine up to ₹5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. * Under Consumer Protection Act, 2019: * Fine up to 10 lakh + account suspension. * Platform Action (IT Rules 2021): * Permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels * Removal of misleading content * Suspension of accounts involved. **Impact Analysis** **General Public** *Impact:* Needs to be cautious of misinformation and verify information from official sources to avoid being misled. *Action Required:* Verify information through the official MeitY website and communication channels. Do not believe or forward unverified messages. **Stakeholders (Students and Job Seekers)** *Impact:* Risk of being misled by fake recruitment information and fraudulent schemes. *Action Required:* Exercise caution and verify any recruitment-related information directly with the official sources of the respective government organizations. **Online Platforms (YouTube Channels, Telegram Groups, etc.)** *Impact:* Prohibition of using government names, logos, and exam content for commercial purposes. Potential for legal action and platform suspension for violations. *Action Required:* Immediately cease any unauthorized use of government names, logos, or exam content for commercial activities. Remove any misleading content and ensure compliance with the notification. **Individuals Involved in Spreading Misinformation** *Impact:* Potential legal repercussions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Emblems & Names Act, 1950 and Consumer Protection Act. *Action Required:* Immediately cease creating and circulating fake information to avoid strict legal action.

Key Entities Referenced