Centre cracks down on 8 YouTube channels spreading fake news
What's the story
The Indian government has banned eight YouTube channels with a combined 23 million subscribers for spreading fake news.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked videos from these channels, which were found to be spreading false information about government schemes, orders, and decisions.
This action comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
Details
World Best News among banned channels
Among the banned channels, World Best News had the highest number of subscribers and views, with 1.7 million subscribers and over 18 crore views.
The channel misrepresented the Indian Army, while others like Educational Dost and SPN9 News spread false information about government schemes, the president, the prime minister, and central ministers.
The Centre aims to curb misinformation on social media through these bans.
False info
Capital TV claimed President's rule would be imposed in WB
The KPS News claimed cooking gas cylinders were available for Rs. 20 and petrol for Rs. 15/liter, while Capital TV propagated fake information about President's rule in West Bengal.
Yahan Sach Dekho peddled false info about the Election Commission and the Chief Justice of India.
Sarkari Vlog gave out fake news regarding government schemes, while Earn Tech India spread misinformation pertaining to Aadhaar cards.