Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Stepping up its effort to counter the harmful effects of misinformation in India, the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) met with Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, and proposed the formation of an industry-supported self regulatory organisation (SRO) for Indian fact checkers.
The proposal for the SRO is in line with its goal of creating a healthy information culture in society, the MCA said, adding that the SRO is expected to take on the role of a nodal body for Indian fact checkers.
The MCA has received in-principle support for its efforts from some of the major intermediaries for the SRO, and will adopt a multi-stakeholder consultative approach and work on developing principles and standards for independent, non-partisan and transparent fact checking, they added.
The grouping of fact checkers further reiterated their belief that the establishment of an SRO will create an open, safe, and trusted internet for all Indians.
Disclosure: Newschecker is a member of the MCA and its publisher, Rajneil Kamath is the vice president of the MCA.
Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
