The Government takes all possible actions to control the spread of fake and misleading information with the available statutory and institutional mechanisms. During Operation Sindoor, it was observed that massive fake news, misinformation and propaganda campaigns were being run, mostly from outside India. Government took active steps to counter such misinformation campaigns:

Providing authentic information: Government of India held periodic media briefings and kept the media and citizens informed. Details of operations carried out by Defence forces were explained along with relevant audio-visuals and satellite imagery. These briefings provided authentic information.

Inter-ministerial coordination: During Operation Sindoor, a centralized Control Room was established for interdisciplinary and inter-departmental coordination. This Control Room functioned 24x7 and facilitated real-time information dissemination to all media stakeholders. This Control Room comprised nodal representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with officers from various Government media units, and officials from the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Social media handles and posts spreading fake news and misinformation were actively identified.

Factcheck

The Unit debunked Pakistani propaganda against India and Indian Armed Forces and fact-checked many posts countering such content. Additionally, the links related to disinformation or false news concerning Operation Sindoor, fact-checked by the FCU, were promptly shared with concerned intermediaries for appropriate action.

The efforts of the Fact Check Unit were appreciated by media. The links of some of the articles are given below:

· India's FCU battles Pakistan's digital propaganda with swift rebuttals following 'Operation Sindoor'

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/10/indias-fcu-battles-pakistans-digital-propaganda-with-swift-rebuttals-following-operation-sindoor

· Govt fact-checking unit swings into action in the wake of Operation Sindoor to highlight false claims

https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/india-pib-govt-fact-checking-unit-operation-sindoor-misinformation-false-claims-11746770729519.html

· How India is fighting Pakistan’s disinformation campaign

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-india-is-fighting-pakistan-s-disinformation-campaign-101746644575505.html

Blocking

It was observed that certain social media handles, many operating from outside India were actively propagating false and potentially harmful information. Under the Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000, Government issued necessary orders to block websites, social media handles and posts in in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order.

Ministry also issued directions for blocking of over 1,400 URLs on digital media during Operation Sindoor. The content of these URLs included false, misleading, anti-India news content, communally sensitive content primarily from Pakistan-based social media accounts and inciteful content against Indian Armed Forces.

Advisory to media

On 26^th April 2025, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to all Media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces in the interest of national security.

This information was submitted by the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in the LokSabha today.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith