Manipur launches ‘DIPR Manipur Fact Check’ Facebook page

IMPHAL — The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur, launched the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check,” an official Facebook page to deal with misinformation, in Imphal on Thursday.

The DIPR also organised a one-day awareness programme on its existing journalists’ welfare schemes after the launching event.

Secretary (IPR) Hungyo Worshang formally launched the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check” which aims at authenticating and verifying various government orders, notices and circulars etc.

Highlighting on the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital era, he stressed the need to verify sources of news, images, and videos and urged media houses to actively support efforts including today’s initiative to curb the spread of false information.

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Understanding the importance of fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence, where distinguishing real from fake information has become increasingly difficult, Director (IPR) Dr. Th Charanjeet Singh added that misleading information, rumours, false news etc incite misunderstanding amongst people and is a huge threat to peace and progress.

Charanjeet informed that nodal officers from various departments will be designated to verify documents related to their departments concerned and information before dissemination to prevent mistrust and possible unrest arising from fake content.

Suggestions from stakeholders have also been invited to further strengthen the initiative, he added.

The event featured a media sensitisation session in the afternoon highlighting the media welfare schemes taken up by the DIPR Manipur.

In the day’s event that featured a media sensitisation session wherein the IPR officials made separate presentations on the Journalist welfare schemes including pension scheme, welfare scheme, press identity cards and accreditation processes and Manipur state journalist awards schemes.