Kolkata, July 26 -- The West Bengal government has set up a 24x7 'War Room' to monitor misinformation, disinformation and fake news across print, electronic and digital media platforms, with the aim of ensuring the timely dissemination of verified information, a senior official said on Sunday.
According to a notification issued by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department on Friday, the decision has been taken in view of the "emerging challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation and fake news" that could adversely affect public order, government functioning and the state's image.
The 'War Room' will monitor news reports and social media platforms while coordinating with district administrations and various government departments to facilitate the prompt circulation of authentic information.
It will function under the leadership of the Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department and include senior officials from the Home, Information Technology and Electronics, Disaster Management, Health and Police departments, along with representatives from other key wings of the state administration.
Its responsibilities include monitoring news reports and social media content, identifying misleading narratives, preparing factual responses, coordinating with district authorities and government departments, and ensuring the timely dissemination of verified information through official channels.
The notification also authorises the 'War Room' to maintain regular coordination with media organisations and fact-checking agencies, besides submitting periodic situation reports to the state government.
According to the official, the initiative is intended to ensure that "verified information reaches the public quickly, and coordinated responses are available whenever misleading or false content has the potential to create confusion or panic."
"The objective is not merely monitoring, but ensuring that factual information is disseminated swiftly through official channels so that rumours do not gain traction," the official said. The state government has also directed all administrative departments, district magistrates, police commissioners and superintendents of police to nominate nodal officers to coordinate with the 'War Room' and provide all necessary assistance for its effective functioning. WITH AGENCY INPUTS
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.