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

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) issued a notification on November 26, 2025, addressing the circulation of fake information using MeitY's name, logo, and authority. This fake information includes a fake notice dated November 25, 2025 regarding a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities." The notification advises the public and stakeholders to remain cautious and outlines actions they should take. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Information Alert:** * A fake notice regarding a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities" dated November 25, 2025, is being circulated through social media. * Certain individuals and online platforms are misusing MeitY's name, logo, and authority to circulate misleading and unauthorized information. * **Public Advisory:** * Do not believe or forward unverified messages, advertisements, or communications claiming to be issued by MeitY. * Always verify information through the official website (https://www.meity.gov.in) and communication channels of the Ministry. * MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers/benefits without official notification. * **Legal Consequences:** * Involvement in creating or circulating fake information will result in strict legal action. * The actions constitute a serious offense under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws. * **Strict Ban Notice Provisions:** * No YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centers, websites, or social media pages are authorized to use government recruitment names, emblems, or examination content for commercial purposes. * Prohibited activities include selling paid courses/batches, promoting study materials/mock tests, publishing unofficial keys/cutoffs, analyzing previous question papers, and creating "official-looking" content. * **Punishments for Violations (Under the Strict Ban Notice):** * **Indian Penal Code (IPC):** * Section 170 (Impersonation): Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine. * Section 420 (Cheating and fraud): Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine. * **IT Act, 2000:** * Section 66D (Online impersonation/cheating): Up to 3 years imprisonment + ₹1,00,000 fine. * **Emblems & Names Act, 1950:** * Improper use of Government names/emblems: Fine up to ₹5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. * **Consumer Protection Act, 2019:** * Misleading advertisements: 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** **Impact: General Public and Stakeholders** *The general public is impacted due to the circulation of fake information. Stakeholders include anyone who consumes information related to government recruitments, job offers, and digital services.* **Action Required:** * Do not believe or forward unverified messages. * Verify information only through official MeitY channels (website and communications). * Report suspicious content to webmaster@meity.gov.in or through the official website. **Impact: Individuals and Online Platforms Misusing MeitY's Name/Logo/Authority** **Action Required:** *Discontinue the unauthorized use of MeitY's name, logo, and authority immediately to avoid legal action. Refrain from selling courses or promotional activities using government recruitment names, logos, and exam content.*

Key Entities Referenced