K'taka CM gives nod to fact-check unit

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday gave his approval to set up a fact check unit and promulgation of necessary rules and laws in the state.

A statement issued by his office said the decision was taken with a view that fake news should be controlled as it was dangerous for democracy and would polarise the society.

The decision was taken in a meeting on cyber security chaired by the CM at his home office 'Krishna'. Siddaramaiah approved three-step measures of detecting fake news and syndicates that create them, preventing the spread of fake news, and giving severe punishment to the accused.

The fact check unit will comprise a monitoring committee and fact check analysis team along with the appointment of nodal officers.

Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said though Bengaluru Police is active on social media, the state needs a fact check unit.

According to him, 'deep fake' is also being utilised using Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is helping those spreading fake news.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said although the fake news network is in its infancy globally, it is likely to become widely used over time.