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

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a notification to address the circulation of fake information using its name, logo, and authority. This includes a fake notice dated 25 November 2025, regarding a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities." The notification advises the general public and stakeholders to verify information and warns against unauthorized activities. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Misinformation Notice:** * A fake notice regarding a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities" dated 25 November 2025, is circulating. * This notice and the use of MeitY's name, logo, and authority are unauthorized and illegal. * **Public Advisory:** * Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY. * Verify information only through the official MeitY website and communication channels. * MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers or digital services without official notification. * Creation or circulation of fake information will face strict legal action. * **Ban on Unauthorized Use (as per fake notice):** * YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centres, websites, and social media pages are prohibited from using government recruitment names, emblems, or exam content for commercial or promotional activities. * This includes notifications, question papers, answer keys, cutoff data, and previous paper analysis. * Several platforms are misusing official exam names (SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, Defence, State Boards etc.) to sell courses, promote materials, and publish unofficial information. * Such actions are unauthorised, misleading, and illegal. * **Penalties for Violations (as per fake notice):** * **Indian Penal Code (IPC):** Impersonation of a public authority (Section 170 - up to 2 years imprisonment + fine); Cheating and fraud (Section 420 - up to 7 years imprisonment + fine). * **IT Act, 2000:** Online impersonation / cheating (Section 66D - 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** **General Public and Stakeholders** * **Impact:** Increased awareness of misinformation and the need for verification. * **Action Required:** Exercise caution, verify information through official channels, and report suspicious content to webmaster@meity.gov.in or https://www.meity.gov.in. **Individuals and Platforms Involved in Spreading Misinformation** * **Impact:** Risk of legal action and penalties. * **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized activities using MeitY's name, logo, or authority, and refrain from creating or circulating fake information. **Social Media Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, etc.)** * **Impact:** Potential for blocking channels, removal of content, and suspension of accounts involved in spreading misinformation. * **Action Required:** Monitor and remove misleading content and suspend accounts involved in unauthorized activities.

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