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

**Executive Summary** This notification from the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), dated November 26, 2025, addresses the circulation of fake information using MeitY's name and 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 alerts the public about this misinformation and warns of strict legal action against those involved. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Fake Information:** * A fake notice with the subject "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities" dated November 25, 2025, is circulating. * Individuals and 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 through the official MeitY website and communication channels. * MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification. * **Prohibited Activities (Referencing the Fake Notice):** * Unauthorized use of government recruitment names, emblems, and examination content (including notifications, question papers, answer keys, cutoff data, previous paper analysis, etc.) for commercial purposes on platforms like YouTube, Telegram, and websites. * Activities include selling paid courses, promoting study materials, publishing unofficial keys/cutoffs, and analyzing previous papers using official exam names (e.g., SSC, RRB, UPSC). * **Legal Consequences:** * Involvement in creating or circulating fake information will result in strict legal action. * Violations may be punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), IT Act 2000, Emblems & Names Act 1950, and Consumer Protection Act 2019, including imprisonment, fines, and account suspension. * Platform action under IT Rules 2021 includes permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of involved accounts. **Impact Analysis** **General Public and Stakeholders** * **Impact:** Could be misled by fake information, potentially leading to financial loss, wasted time, or legal issues. * **Action Required:** Be cautious, verify information only through official sources, and report suspicious content to webmaster@meity.gov.in or through the official website. **Individuals and Online Platforms Misusing MeitY's Name** * **Impact:** Face legal action, including imprisonment and fines, under various laws. * **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized use of MeitY's name, logo, and information immediately. **Government Recruitment Boards** * **Impact:** Prevents unauthorized use of government names, emblems, and examination content for commercial or promotional purposes. * **Action Required:** Enforce strict action against those who are found in violation.

Key Entities Referenced