MCA proposes fact check network headed by retired judge

The FCN’s aim is to “develop self-governing standards and best practices for fact-checking organisations in India”, which will enable any organisation to become “trusted partners in the fight against the weaponisation of misinformation and disinformation”.

In April, the ministry of electronics and information technology had given MCA’s proposal the nod to set up a self-regulatory body for fact-checking. The MCA is an alliance of media companies set up in March 2022 to combat misinformation and build tools to aid fact-checking.

The need for an industry-backed self-regulatory organisation for fact-checkers arose after the IT ministry turned down the industry’s request to continue using fact-checkers with international certifications such as those of the International Fact-Checking Network.

On April 6 this year, the IT ministry had notified the establishment of a state-appointed body to fact-check all government-related content online deemed as misinformation or disinformation.

In its framework, the MCA has also said that the fact-checkers approved by it would adhere to a code of principles, which includes committing to non-partisanship and fairness and provide details of transparency of methodology and funding as well.

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The board of FCN, the alliance said, will be composed of independent eminent persons from media, broadcasting, human rights, journalism and law. A retired Supreme Court or high court judge will be the chairperson of the fact-checking network, the MCA said.“The board will obtain reports from expert assessors to determine whether an organisation should be accepted as a verified signatory. The board will also ensure any signatories which violate the code face consequences, including in serious cases losing their status and being barred from applying for it again,” the MCA said.