Daily Current Affairs : 22-July-2023
In a recent announcement, the Union government revealed that the Fact Check Unit (FCU), established to combat fake news, will not be notified until September 4. The FCU is a provision under the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. Its primary purpose is to identify and combat fake, false, or misleading content related to the government. The implications of the FCU’s delayed implementation, concerns raised by journalists and rights activists regarding censorship, and the amended rules that online gaming and social media intermediaries must adhere to.
The Fact Check Unit (FCU) and its Delayed Notification
The Fact Check Unit (FCU) is a critical component of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. It was designed to identify and flag fake or misleading online content associated with the government. Online intermediaries are required to take down such marked content to enjoy legal immunity or ‘safe harbor’ protections under Section 79 of the IT Act against third-party content. However, the FCU will not be notified until September 4, leaving a window of uncertainty and concern about the spread of misinformation.
Concerns Surrounding the FCU and Press Freedom
The delayed implementation of the FCU has raised concerns among journalist bodies, rights activists, and internet freedom advocates. Critics view it as a potential threat to press freedom, as it may pave the way for increased censorship. India’s press freedom ranking has already declined to 161st out of 180 countries in 2023, as reported by Reporters Without Borders. The introduction of the FCU could further deteriorate India’s position and hinder journalists’ ability to report freely without fear of government intervention.
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023
The main objective of the 2023 amendments is to enforce greater due diligence by online gaming and social media intermediaries in two key areas:
- Verification of Online Games
Online gaming platforms are now required to exercise caution and not host, publish, or share any online game that may harm users. Additionally, they must not promote or advertise games that have not been verified by a self-regulatory body designated by the Central Government.
- Safeguards by the Self-regulatory Body
The self-regulatory body has the responsibility of ensuring that online games do not pose any risks to users and comply with the stipulated rules and safeguards against user harm. For games involving real money, the body must display a verification mark, inform users about the withdrawal and refund policies, collect KYC details of users, and prohibit third-party credit or financing to users.
Structure of Regulating Authority
The government has the authority to designate multiple self-regulatory bodies, representative of the online gaming industry. However, these bodies must function independently of their members and consist of directors free from any conflict of interest. The goal is to include all relevant stakeholders and experts in the board, ensuring a fair and transparent regulatory process.
The FCU’s Application and Industry Compliance
The new rules mandate that intermediaries refrain from publishing, sharing, or hosting fake, false, or misleading information as identified by the notified Fact Check Unit of the Central Government, specifically concerning any business related to the Central Government. However, these obligations become applicable only after a sufficient number of self-regulatory bodies have been designated. This allows the online gaming industry adequate time to comply with the rules.
Important Points:
- The Union government announced that the Fact Check Unit (FCU) to combat fake news will not be notified until September 4.
- The FCU is part of the new Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023.
- FCU’s purpose is to identify and combat fake or misleading content related to the government.
- Online intermediaries must take down content marked as ‘fake or misleading’ by FCU to enjoy legal immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act.
- Concerns have been raised by journalist bodies, rights activists, and internet freedom advocates, who see the FCU as a potential censorship tool.
- India’s press freedom ranking has already declined to 161st out of 180 countries in 2023.
- The 2023 amendments aim to enforce due diligence by online gaming and social media intermediaries.
- Online gaming platforms must not host or promote unverified games that may harm users.
- A self-regulatory body designated by the government will verify online games and ensure compliance with user safety rules.
- Online games involving real money must display verification marks, inform users about policies, and collect KYC details.
- The government may designate multiple self-regulatory bodies representing the online gaming industry, ensuring fair regulation.
- Intermediaries must not publish, share, or host fake, false, or misleading information identified by the FCU regarding the Central Government’s business.
- FCU’s obligations become applicable once sufficient self-regulatory bodies have been designated, allowing the online gaming industry time to comply.
Why In News
Recently, the Union government revealed that the Fact Check Unit (FCU), established to combat the spread of misinformation, will remain inactive until September 4. During this period, the FCU’s dedicated team will be gearing up with advanced tools and resources to effectively tackle the challenge of identifying and countering ‘fake news’ across various platforms.
MCQs about Fact Check Unit
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What is the primary purpose of India’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023?
A. To regulate the online gaming industry
B. To combat fake or misleading content related to the government
C. To promote press freedom and freedom of expression
D. To facilitate online advertising and promotions
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What concerns have been raised regarding the implementation of the Fact Check Unit (FCU)?
A. Concerns about press freedom and potential censorship
B. Concerns about the misuse of social media platforms
C. Concerns about excessive government regulations on online gaming
D. Concerns about data privacy and security
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What is the main objective of the 2023 amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)?
A. To encourage online gaming and social media platforms
B. To ensure greater due diligence by online gaming and social media intermediaries
C. To promote international collaboration in media ethics
D. To restrict access to digital media for certain user groups
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What is the significance of the self-regulatory body designated by the Central Government for online gaming?
A. It is responsible for content moderation on social media platforms
B. It ensures that online games do not involve any risky outcomes for users
C. It represents the government’s authority in regulating online gaming companies
D. It promotes the use of online advertising for gaming platforms
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