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

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) on November 26, 2025, addresses the circulation of fake information using MeitY's name, logo, and authority. It advises the public and stakeholders to verify information and warns against unauthorized third-party activities, threatening strict legal action for offenders. The notice also references 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." **Key Points / Main Content** * **Misinformation and Unauthorized Use:** * A fake notice about a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names..." dated 25 November 2025 is being circulated. * Individuals/online platforms are falsely using MeitY's name/logo to spread misleading information. * This includes unauthorized use of government recruitment board names, emblems, or exam content for commercial purposes on platforms like YouTube and Telegram. * **Advisory to Public and Stakeholders:** * Do not believe/forward unverified messages claiming to be from MeitY. * Verify information via MeitY's official website and communication channels. * MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees/data, provide job offers/subsidies, or provide digital services without official notification. * **Legal Consequences:** * Involvement in creating/circulating fake information will result in strict legal action. * Violations can result in penalties under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), IT Act 2000, Emblems & Names Act 1950, and Consumer Protection Act 2019. * IPC includes sections for impersonation of a public authority (up to 2 years imprisonment + fine) and cheating/fraud (up to 7 years imprisonment + fine). * The IT Act includes sections for Online impersonation/cheating (up to 3 years imprisonment + 1,00,000 fine). * The Emblems & Names Act includes sections for Improper use of Government names/emblems (Fine up to 25,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment). * The Consumer Protection Act includes sections for Misleading advertisements (Fine up to 10 lakh + account suspension). * Platform action under IT Rules 2021 includes permanent blocking of channels, removal of content, and account suspension. **Impact Analysis** **General Public:** * **Impact:** Risk of being misled by fake notices and unauthorized activities falsely attributed to MeitY. * **Action Required:** Exercise caution, verify information through official sources, and avoid forwarding unverified messages. **Online Platforms (e.g., YouTube, Telegram):** * **Impact:** Potential for platforms to be used for spreading misleading information and facing legal consequences. * **Action Required:** Monitor content for unauthorized use of government names/logos, misleading advertisements, and any material resembling official government recruitment content. Removal of content/ account suspension. **Government Recruitment Boards:** * **Impact:** Names, logos, and exam content being misused for commercial purposes. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with MeitY to report unauthorized use of their materials and support investigations. **Coaching Centers and Course Providers:** * **Impact:** Restriction on using government recruitment materials, names, and emblems for commercial activities. * **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with the guidelines and avoid using any unauthorized government-related content. **Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)** * **Impact:** Protecting the image and reputation of the Ministry by preventing the public from being misled by fake information. * **Action Required:** Monitor cyberspace for the circulation of fake information, take legal action against offenders, and continue to disseminate information to the public about fraudulent activities.

Key Entities Referenced