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

**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 the Ministry’s name and logos. The notification addresses the misuse of government recruitment-related content for commercial purposes and advises the public to verify information through official channels. Disseminators of false information will face legal action. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Notice Circulation:** A fake notice dated November 25, 2025, titled "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities," is being circulated via social media. * **Unauthorized Use:** YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centers, websites, and social media pages are prohibited from using government recruitment related names, emblems, or examination content for commercial or promotional activities. * **Prohibited Activities:** Platforms are misusing official exam names to sell courses, promote materials, publish unofficial keys/cutoffs, analyze papers, and create official-looking advertisements. * **Verification:** The public is advised not to believe or forward unverified messages and to always verify information through the official MeitY website and communication channels. * **Unauthorized Actions:** MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers or subsidies without official notification. * **Legal Consequences:** Strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in creating or circulating fake information, including punishments under IPC (impersonation, cheating), IT Act 2000 (online impersonation), Emblems & Names Act 1950 (improper use of emblems), and Consumer Protection Act 2019 (misleading advertisements). * **Platform Action:** Under IT Rules 2021, platforms will face permanent blocking, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts involved. **Impact Analysis** **General Public and Stakeholders:** * **Impact:** They are being targeted by misleading information and could be defrauded. * **Action Required:** Exercise caution, verify information through official channels, and report suspicious content to webmaster@meity.gov.in. **Individuals and Online Platforms Involved in Misinformation:** * **Impact:** They are at risk of facing strict legal actions under applicable laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Emblems & Names Act 1950, and Consumer Protection Act 2019. * **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized activities and comply with the regulations to avoid legal penalties. **Government Recruitment Boards (SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, Defence, State Boards etc.):** * **Impact:** Their official exam names, logos, and content are being misused to create misleading and unauthorized content. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with MeitY and other relevant authorities to identify and take action against the offenders. **Social Media Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, etc.):** * **Impact:** Their platforms are being used to spread misleading information and are subject to action under IT Rules 2021. * **Action Required:** Take immediate steps to block channels, remove misleading content, and suspend accounts involved in the circulation of fake information.

Key Entities Referenced