IT ministry asks YouTube to use 'unverified' disclaimer on fake news channels

In December 2022, the government asked YouTube to take down 3 channels spreading fake news

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked YouTube to take appropriate legal action on "fake news channels" and has advised the platform to put a disclaimer to tackle such fake news.

In an office memorandum dated October 13, seen by Moneycontrol, MeitY advised YouTube to put a disclaimer "news not verified" on "fake news channels". It has also asked significant social media platforms (those with more than 5 million subscribers) to submit an action note within 10 days, on how they plan to tackle fake news and "unlawful contents".

However, to be sure, the ministry has not provided any definition on what constitutes as fake news, or the ways to identify fake news or fake news channels from other user content.

This comes at a time when the Centre has deferred the notification of its proposed Fact Check Unit (introduced under recent amendments to the IT Rules) until December. The government-appointed unit will identify false or misleading content related to the government.

The letter also urged social media platforms on conducting awareness for strengthening cyber safety of users, especially children.

Moneycontrol has reached out to YouTube with further queries on the matter. Business Standard was the first to report on the development.

This letter also comes on the backdrop of a meeting held on October 9, in Mumbai, by the Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology on issues related to "monopolistic practices by social and digital platforms".

This is not the first time that the government has intervened when it comes to alleged fake news on platforms such as YouTube or other social media platforms. In December 2022, the government asked YouTube to take down three channels for making false and sensational claims about various public welfare initiatives and spreading fake news. The three channels were declared as peddlers of fake news by the Press Information Bureau Fact Check Unit.

In April 2023, the Centre announced proposed amendments to the IT Rules that says that a government-appointed organisation can identify any false or misleading content relating to the government.

The minister had said that if an intermediary chooses to not take down content after the fact checking unit asks it to, then the intermediary will lose safe harbor for that piece of content.

However, the proposed amendment was challenged in the Bombay High Court, and the court recently concluded hearing arguments in the matter, and has reserved its verdict, which will be pronounced in December. The government will not notify the proposed fact check unit until the judgement is delivered.