**Executive Summary**
This notification from the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), dated 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 document warns the public against believing unverified messages and outlines the legal consequences of creating or circulating such misinformation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fake Information:**
* A fake notice dated November 25, 2025, concerning a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities," is being circulated.
* Individuals and/or online platforms are falsely using MeitY's name, logo, and authority to spread misleading information.
* **Public Advisory:**
* Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY.
* Verify information only through official MeitY channels.
* MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, data, or provide offers/services without official notification.
* **Prohibited Activities (As per the Fake Notice):**
* Unauthorized use of Government Recruitment Board names, emblems, or exam content on YouTube, Telegram, coaching centers, websites, or social media for commercial or promotional activities.
* Misuse of official exam names (SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, Defence, State Boards etc.) to sell courses, promote materials, publish unofficial keys, analyze papers, or create "official-looking" content.
* **Legal Consequences:**
* Creating or circulating fake information will face strict legal action.
* Violations may lead to punishments under various laws:
* Indian Penal Code (IPC): Impersonation of a public authority and/or cheating/fraud.
* IT Act, 2000: Online impersonation/cheating.
* Emblems & Names Act, 1950: Improper use of Government names/emblems.
* Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Misleading advertisements.
* Platform Action (IT Rules 2021): Permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public & Stakeholders**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of misinformation tactics and the need for vigilance.
* **Action Required:** Exercise caution, verify information through official sources, and refrain from forwarding unverified messages.
**Individuals/Online Platforms (Misusing Information)**
* **Impact:** Risk of facing legal action and penalties for creating or circulating fake or misleading information.
* **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized activities involving the use of MeitY's name, logo, authority or government recruitment names, emblems, and examination content.
**MeitY**
* **Impact:** Protect the integrity of their official information and maintain public trust.
* **Action Required:** Continue to monitor and address the spread of misinformation, and pursue legal action against offenders.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The primary ministry issuing the notification regarding the circulation of fake information.
Information Technology Act, 2000: The Act under which illegal actions of circulating misleading information will be prosecuted.
Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities: The subject of the fake notice being circulated and the target of the real notification, which prohibits using government recruitment materials for commercial purposes.
Indian Penal Code (IPC): Mentioned as it outlines sections related to punishments, specifically impersonation of a public authority and cheating and fraud.
IT Rules 2021: The policy under which action may be taken against platforms involved in the circulation of misleading information.
Government of India
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
MeitY Website Cell
New Delhi-110003
Dated: 26.11.2025
NOTIFICATION
Subject: Circulation of Fake Information in the Name of the Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology
It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
that fake Notice having subject Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names,
Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities dated 25
November, 2025 (Fake Notice attached at page no. 2) is being circulated through social
media (WhatsApp) which has no significance. Certain individuals and/or online platforms are
circulating misleading and unauthorized information by falsely using the name, logo, and
authority of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Such actions are
illegal and constitute a serious offense under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other
applicable laws.
The general public and stakeholders are hereby advised:
1. Do not believe or forward any unverified messages, advertisements, or
communications claiming to be issued by MeitY.
2. Always verify information only through the official website and communication
channels of the Ministry.
3. MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide
job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification.
4. Any person found involved in the creation or circulation of fake information will face
strict legal action.
For any clarification or to report suspicious content, please contact at email
webmaster@meity.gov.in or Official Website link https://www.meity.gov.in
The Ministry urges all citizens to remain cautious and help in preventing the spread of
misinformation in cyberspace.
Tulika Pandey (Ms)
Scientist 'G' & Group Coordinator
(HRD Division, RajBhasha Section, Gender budgeting, NIELIT & ERNET)
Chief Information Officer & Web Master
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India
Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex New Delhi - 110 003
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