BENGALURU: The government, which had called for expressions of interest (EoI) to be part of its initiative to curb rising cases of fake news by creating an information disorder tackling unit (IDTU), has shortlisted five of seven companies which had submitted bids.
IT-BT minister Priyank Khargesaid the department is currently conducting background checks after which companies’ names will be revealed.“The process is ongoing but we believe that five will be empaneled,”Priyank said. Sources say firms which submitted bids include seasoned fact-checking companies that have experience in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and creating awareness about weeding out fake news.
Officials say stringent EoI conditions are why only seven companies showed interest. The companies had to be registered in India and have at least three years of experience in factchecking services or similar activities as of August 31, 2023. However, it is said the government is “not averse” to empathising with and onboarding even those who have not qualified. Priyank said the government will consider even individuals who have done credible work.
“It is still a new domain for us, and we will welcome all help,” Priyank said. “This includes companies that did not qualify and individuals who have done credible work in the past and are ready to partner with the government. We will explore possible options to onboard them as well.”
The companies and individuals that are eventually onboarded by the government will be divided into three key areas, which include a fact verification team, which will detect and address false information; an analytics squad, which will actively oversee the ecosystem of misinformation; and a capacity development team, which will lead public awareness campaigns to educate people about the presence and consequences of the misinformation ecosystem.
IT-BT minister Priyank Khargesaid the department is currently conducting background checks after which companies’ names will be revealed.“The process is ongoing but we believe that five will be empaneled,”Priyank said. Sources say firms which submitted bids include seasoned fact-checking companies that have experience in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and creating awareness about weeding out fake news.
Officials say stringent EoI conditions are why only seven companies showed interest. The companies had to be registered in India and have at least three years of experience in factchecking services or similar activities as of August 31, 2023. However, it is said the government is “not averse” to empathising with and onboarding even those who have not qualified. Priyank said the government will consider even individuals who have done credible work.
“It is still a new domain for us, and we will welcome all help,” Priyank said. “This includes companies that did not qualify and individuals who have done credible work in the past and are ready to partner with the government. We will explore possible options to onboard them as well.”
The companies and individuals that are eventually onboarded by the government will be divided into three key areas, which include a fact verification team, which will detect and address false information; an analytics squad, which will actively oversee the ecosystem of misinformation; and a capacity development team, which will lead public awareness campaigns to educate people about the presence and consequences of the misinformation ecosystem.