Government Endeavours to Strengthen Credible Information Dissemination through PIB Fact-Checking, Public Service Broadcasting and Digital Media Regulations
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on 12th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary
This document details the Government of India’s initiatives to ensure credible information dissemination and regulate digital media through the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Key measures include the operation of the PIB Fact Check Unit, the implementation of the IT Rules 2021, and the promotion of the film sector through the "Create in India" vision. The report highlights the inaugural WAVES 2025 summit held in May 2025 as a milestone for global media engagement.
Key Points / Main Content
Fact-Checking and Information Credibility
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) serves as the primary agency for accurate communication across various languages and platforms.
A Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been established within the PIB to verify claims related to Government Ministries, Departments, and PSUs to mitigate fake news.
Doordarshan (DD News) and Akashvani integrate PIB Fact Check content and employ multi-layered editorial scrutiny to counter false narratives.
Digital Media and OTT Regulation
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, prescribe due diligence for intermediaries and a Code of Ethics for digital news and OTT platforms.
A three-tier grievance redressal mechanism is in place, consisting of self-regulation by publishers, self-regulating bodies, and Central Government oversight.
Film and Media Sector Initiatives
The DCDFC Scheme provides financial assistance for film festivals, cinema promotion, and international participation.
The India Cine Hub (ICH) facilitates film shooting permissions through a single-window mechanism to promote India as a filming destination.
The National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) manages the preservation, restoration, and archiving of India’s cinematic history.
Global Engagement and Cooperation
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) was organized in Mumbai to position India as a global hub for content creation.
Prasar Bharati maintains 48 active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international broadcasters for content sharing and professional expertise exchange.
Impact Analysis
Stakeholder: Digital News Publishers and OTT PlatformsImpact
These entities are subject to a regulated Code of Ethics and a mandatory three-tier grievance redressal system.
Action Required
Adhere to the prescribed due diligence obligations and participate in the established self-regulation framework.
Stakeholder: Film Creators, Producers, and StartupsImpact
They benefit from streamlined shooting permissions, financial support for festivals, and global networking platforms like WAVES 2025.
Action Required
Utilize the India Cine Hub for shooting permissions and engage with the "Create in India, Create for the World" initiative for global expansion.
Stakeholder: Government Ministries, Departments, and PSUsImpact
Their programs and policies are protected from misinformation through the PIB’s structured verification process.
Action Required
Ensure timely coordination with the Fact Check Unit (FCU) to verify claims and disseminate accurate information to the public.
Key Entities Referenced
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: Rules under the IT Act, 2000 that prescribe due diligence for intermediaries and a Code of Ethics for digital news and OTT platforms, including a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism.
Press Information Bureau (PIB): The principal information dissemination agency of the Government of India, responsible for credible communication and housing the Fact Check Unit.
Prasar Bharati: The public service broadcasting body in India that manages Doordarshan and Akashvani and facilitates international media cooperation.
Fact Check Unit (FCU): A unit established within the PIB to mitigate fake news by verifying claims related to Government Ministries, Departments, and PSUs.
Development, Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme: A government scheme providing financial assistance for film festivals, international participation, and the promotion and preservation of Indian cinema.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government Endeavours to Strengthen Credible
Information Dissemination through PIB Fact-
Checking, Public Service Broadcasting and
Digital Media Regulations
प्रव तथ: 12 AUG 2026 3:01PM by PIB Delhi
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), as the principal information dissemination agency of the
Government of India, facilitates timely, credible and accurate communication in different forms through
various media platforms. Prasar Bharati plays a key role in fulfilling the mandate of public service
broadcasting. Information is disseminated in multiple languages, including regional languages and
dialects, using various platforms.
The Government has established a Fact Check Unit (FCU) in PIB to mitigate fake news related to its
programmes and policies. FCU verifies claims relating to Government Ministries, Departments, PSUs and
other Central Government organisations through a structured fact-checking process. It disseminates
verified information through various platforms.
Doordarshan and Akashvani further disseminate verified information through their news bulletins,
programmes and digital platforms. DD News follows a multi-layered editorial mechanism involving
rigorous fact-checking, cross-verification through multiple credible sources and editorial scrutiny before
broadcast. PIB Fact Check content is regularly integrated into Doordarshan and Akashvani news and
digital platforms to counter misinformation and false narratives.
The Government notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics
Code) Rules, 2021 under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The Rules prescribe due diligence
obligations for intermediaries, provide a Code of Ethics for publishers of digital news and OTT platforms.
It establishes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism comprising self-regulation by publishers, self-
regulating bodies and an oversight mechanism by the Central Government.
The Government promotes the film and media sector through initiatives including the Development,
Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme, India Cine Hub (ICH) and the
National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM). The DCDFC Scheme provides financial assistance for film
festivals, promotion of Indian cinema, international participation, preservation and related activities. India
Cine Hub facilitates film shooting permissions through a single-window mechanism and promotes India as
a filming destination. NFHM undertakes preservation, restoration, digitisation and archiving of India’s
cinematic heritage.
The Government promotes international media cooperation by strengthening its global engagement in
media and broadcasting.
The Government organised the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) in
Mumbai in May 2025. It brought together the Media and Entertainment sector under the vision of making
India a global hub for content creation through the “Create in India, Create for the World” initiative. TheSummit provided a platform for Indian creators, producers and startups to engage with global buyers,
investors, OTT platforms and technology leaders from over 100 countries.
In the broadcasting sector, Prasar Bharati maintains active engagement with broadcasting organisations
across the world through content-sharing arrangements with international broadcasters and broadcasting
agreements with partner organisations. It also has 48 active Memoranda of Understanding with
broadcasters from different countries for cooperation in broadcasting, facilitating the exchange of content,
professional expertise and best practices.
The information was provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and
Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to a Question asked by Dr. Alok Kumar
Suman in Lok Sabha today.
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Mahesh Kumar/ Vivek Vishwash
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