Published Feb 06, 2026 | 8:58 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 06, 2026 | 8:58 AM
Fake news. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday, 5 February, gave its approval to the AI-driven Social Media Analytical Solution (SMAS) software to check fake news at source. The software will be deployed at an estimated cost of ₹67.20 crore.
The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday, 5 February, gave its approval to the AI-driven Social Media Analytical Solution (SMAS) software to check fake news at source.
The software will be deployed at an estimated cost of ₹67.20 crore, Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislation Minister HK Patil briefed reporters after the cabinet meeting.
“Social media content will now be scanned by the government through SMAS. It will help prevent the spread of fake news and support informed decision-making. This is not just fact-checking, but also helps in identifying the original source of misinformation,” Patil said.
Patil further clarified that digital platforms of mainstream media will not be under the scanner. When reporters asked whether the law permits the government to scan social media posts, Patil said, “I think there is absolutely no bar to screen or verify manipulation and criminal intention.”
Earlier, Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge expressed hope that the proposed Karnataka Misinformation Bill would be tabled at the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly
If the proposed Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, becomes a law, a six-member social media regulatory authority will have the power to restrict, block, and ban any content deemed to be false or misleading. The authority will play a key role in ensuring that fake news and harmful content cannot be promoted or distributed online.
The legislation aims to establish a complete ban on the circulation of fake news across social media platforms.
To do this, the government plans to set up a regulatory body named the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. It will have the Minister for Kannada and Culture, serving as the ex officio Chairperson, one member each from the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, two members representing social media companies, appointed by the state and a senior IAS officer designated as the Secretary of the Authority.
Fake news is defined as “misquotation or the false and/or inaccurate report of one’s statement; editing audio or video which results in the distortion of facts and/or the context; or purely fabricated content.”
Misinformation is defined as “knowingly or recklessly making a false or inaccurate statement of fact, whether wholly or in part, in the context in which it appears, excluding opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy or or parody or any other form of artistic expression if a reasonable man of ordinary prudence does not pursue such communications as statements of fact”.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
