**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, issued a notification on November 26, 2025, warning against the circulation of fake information using MeitY's name, logo, or authority. The notification also addresses a specific 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," and advises the public on how to identify and report misinformation. Anyone found violating these rules will face strict legal action.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fake Information Warning:**
* MeitY has identified the circulation of a fake notice regarding restrictions on using government recruitment materials for commercial purposes.
* The public is warned against believing or forwarding unverified messages, advertisements, or communications claiming to be issued by MeitY.
* **Official Verification:**
* The public should always verify information through MeitY's official website and communication channels.
* **Unauthorized Activity:**
* MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification.
* **Legal Consequences:**
* Individuals involved in creating or circulating fake information will face strict legal action under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws.
* Anyone found violating these rules will face strict legal action under the Indian Penal Code, IT Act, Emblems & Names Act, and Consumer Protection Act.
* **Banned Activities**
* It is notified that no social media is authorised to use the names, emblems, or examination content for commercial purposes or promotional activities.
* These include selling courses and batches, promoting study materials, publishing keys and cutoffs, and analysing previous question papers.
* **Punishments for Violation**
* Impersonating a public authority comes with up to 2 years imprisonment + fine.
* Cheating and fraud comes with up to 7 years imprisonment + fine.
* Online impersonation/cheating comes with up to 3 years imprisonment + ₹1,00,000 fine.
* Improper use of Government names/emblems comes with a fine of up to ₹5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.
* Misleading advertisements comes with a fine of up to ₹10 lakh + account suspension.
* Permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts involved.
* **Reporting:**
* Suspicious content can be reported via email to webmaster@meity.gov.in or through MeitY's official website.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public & Stakeholders**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of potential misinformation and the importance of verifying information.
* **Action Required:** Be cautious of unverified messages, verify information through official channels, and report suspicious content.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The central ministry issuing the advisory regarding the circulation of fake information and the misuse of government recruitment names and logos.
Information Technology Act, 2000: The Act under which certain actions involving the misuse of information are considered a serious offense.
IT Rules 2021: Rules providing for platform action, such as blocking channels, against those spreading misinformation.
Indian Penal Code (IPC): Code listing offences like impersonation and cheating with punishments
Emblems & Names Act, 1950: Act restricting improper use of government names and emblems.
Government of India
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
MeitY Website Cell
New Delhi-110003
Dated: 26.11.2025
NOTIFICATION
Subject: Circulation of Fake Information in the Name of the Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology
It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
that fake Notice having subject Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names,
Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities dated 25
November, 2025 (Fake Notice attached at page no. 2) is being circulated through social
media (WhatsApp) which has no significance. Certain individuals and/or online platforms are
circulating misleading and unauthorized information by falsely using the name, logo, and
authority of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Such actions are
illegal and constitute a serious offense under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other
applicable laws.
The general public and stakeholders are hereby advised:
1. Do not believe or forward any unverified messages, advertisements, or
communications claiming to be issued by MeitY.
2. Always verify information only through the official website and communication
channels of the Ministry.
3. MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide
job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification.
4. Any person found involved in the creation or circulation of fake information will face
strict legal action.
For any clarification or to report suspicious content, please contact at email
webmaster@meity.gov.in or Official Website link https://www.meity.gov.in
The Ministry urges all citizens to remain cautious and help in preventing the spread of
misinformation in cyberspace.
Tulika Pandey (Ms)
Scientist 'G' & Group Coordinator
(HRD Division, RajBhasha Section, Gender budgeting, NIELIT & ERNET)
Chief Information Officer & Web Master
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India
Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex New Delhi - 110 003
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