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, specifically 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." The notification advises the public on how to verify information and warns against unauthorized activities. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Information:** A false notice is being circulated on social media platforms, falsely using MeitY's name and authority. * **Verification:** The public should not believe or forward unverified information claiming to be issued by MeitY, and should always verify information on the official MeitY website. * **Unauthorized Activities:** 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 Action:** Strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in the creation or circulation of fake information. * **Banned Activities (as per the fake notice):** * Using government recruitment names, emblems, or exam content (including notifications, question papers, answer keys, cutoff data, previous paper analysis) for commercial purposes on YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centers, websites, or social media pages. * Selling paid courses and batches, promoting study materials and mock tests, publishing unofficial keys and cutoffs, analyzing previous question papers, or creating "official-looking" content or advertisements. * **Punishments for Violations (as per the fake notice):** * Under Indian Penal Code (IPC): * Section 170 (Impersonation of a public authority): Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine. * Section 420 (Cheating and fraud): Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine. * Under IT Act, 2000: * Section 66D (Online impersonation / cheating): Up to 3 years imprisonment + ₹1,00,000 fine. * Under Emblems & Names Act, 1950: * Improper use of Government names/emblems: Fine up to ₹5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. * Under 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** * **Impact:** Needs to be aware of misinformation and verify information carefully to avoid being misled. * **Action Required:** Do not believe or forward unverified information; always check the official MeitY website for authentic notifications. **Stakeholders (Government Recruitment Boards, Coaching Centres, etc.)** * **Impact:** The notice clarifies the restrictions on using government recruitment names, logos, and exam content for commercial purposes (Note: this impact is based on the *fake* notice that has been referenced). * **Action Required:** Comply with guidelines to avoid legal penalties. **Online Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, Social Media)** * **Impact:** Responsible for removing misleading content and suspending accounts involved in circulating fake information. * **Action Required:** Monitor and remove unauthorized content; suspend accounts involved in violating guidelines.

Key Entities Referenced