Govt. to hire experts to monitor spreading of fake news on social media

In a view to have a 360 degree monitoring process of social media activities, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is in plans to hire SMEs (Social Media Executives) to collect data and information on local and regional level. The action comes pursuant to the rejection of the plan by the I&B Ministry to penalise journalists perpetrating fake news. As per the & lsquo Scope of Work' mentioned in the proposal, the platform would be expected to support Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, Tumblr, Pinterest, Play Store, eMail, News, Blogs, Forums and Complaint Websites. The focus will be on all 716 districts across the country that would be involved in monitoring local editions of newspapers, local cable channels, and local audio channels and collect data on regional events. The I&B would be assisted by BECIL (Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited) that would collect such data and send it to the ADG Police (Region) and the Media Hub (commanding center). This would act as the nodal point of contract during crisis situation. BECIL has also sent out RFPs (Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting bidder/agencies for SITC (supply, installation, testing & commission) of software and service and support for function, operation and maintenance of the Social Media Communication Hub of the I&B Ministry. The intention is to provide the government with local events concerning them and also check the spread of fake news. It would also assist the government in perception analysis on various scheme and events of the government and provide content for the MIB website.