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

**Executive Summary** This document is a notification issued by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) on November 26, 2025, regarding the circulation of fake information using MeitY's name and authority. It advises the public to be cautious of unverified information and warns against the unauthorized use of government recruitment names, logos, and exam content for commercial activities. Violators will face strict legal action. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Information Alert:** * 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" is being circulated. * MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification. * **Public Advisory:** * Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY. * Always verify information via the official MeitY website and communication channels. * **Unauthorized Activities:** * Prohibition against YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centers, websites, or social media pages using Government Recruitment Board names, emblems, or exam content for commercial purposes. * Activities such as selling paid courses, promoting study materials, publishing unofficial keys, and analysing previous question papers are also prohibited. * **Legal Consequences:** * Violations will result in strict legal action under various laws. * **Indian Penal Code (IPC):** Impersonation (Section 170) and cheating/fraud (Section 420) carry imprisonment and fines. * **IT Act, 2000:** Online impersonation/cheating (Section 66D) results in imprisonment and fines. * **Emblems & Names Act, 1950:** Improper use of government names/emblems carries fines and/or imprisonment. * **Consumer Protection Act, 2019:** Misleading advertisements carry fines and account suspension. * **IT Rules 2021 (Platform Action):** Permanent blocking of channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts. **Impact Analysis** **General Public** * **Impact:** Increased awareness of misinformation, need to verify information from official sources, and potential disruption of access to misleading content. * **Action Required:** Verify information from official sources before believing or forwarding. Report suspicious content to webmaster@meity.gov.in or https://www.meity.gov.in. Remain cautious and help in preventing the spread of misinformation in cyberspace. **Online Platforms (e.g., YouTube, Telegram)** * **Impact:** Potential blocking of channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts if found violating the guidelines. * **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with the notification, monitor content for unauthorized use of government information, and take action against violators. **Coaching Centers, Websites, and Social Media Pages** * **Impact:** Prohibition from using government recruitment names, logos, and exam content for commercial purposes. Legal action if found violating the guidelines. * **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized use of government information for commercial activities. Ensure compliance with the notification. **Individuals Creating or Circulating Fake Information** * **Impact:** Risk of strict legal action under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws. * **Action Required:** Cease all activities related to the creation or circulation of fake information.

Key Entities Referenced