West Bengal government sets up ‘War Room’ to counter misinformation, monitor social media posts
In a notification published on Friday, the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs said the decision was taken taking into account “the emerging challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation and fake news” that could affect public order, the functioning of the government and the image of the state.
The statement stated that the ‘War Room’ will monitor print, electronic and digital platforms, including social media, and coordinate with district administrations and other departments to ensure rapid dissemination of verified information.
It will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs and will include senior officials from Home, Information Technology and Electronics, Disaster Management, Health, Police and other important departments of the state administration, the statement said.
The official said the job includes monitoring news reports and social media content, identifying misinformation and misleading narratives, preparing factual responses, coordinating with district officials and government departments, and ensuring timely dissemination of verified information through official channels.
The ‘War Room’ also has the authority to maintain liaison with media outlets and fact-checking organizations as well as providing regular situation reports to the state government.
The initiative aims to ensure “verified information reaches the public quickly and coordinated responses are made where misleading or inaccurate content has the potential to create confusion or panic,” the official said. “The aim is not only to monitor, but to ensure that real information is disseminated quickly through official channels so that rumors do not gain traction,” he said.
The state government has also asked all administrative departments, district magistrates, police commissioners and superintendents of police to appoint central officers to coordinate with the ‘War Room’ and provide all necessary assistance for its functioning.
