Establishment of Campus-Based Fact-Checking Committees to Counter Fake News in Punjab Educational Institutions – Notification

Dated Lahore, the 21^st October, 2024

To,

SUBJECT:    MEASURES AGAINST THE SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS AT THE CAMPUSES OF THE PUBLIC / PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES.

I am directed to refer to the subject cited above and state that the proliferation of the false and misleading information particularly in academic environments, poses a significant threat to social cohesion and the intellectual growth of the students. In the backdrop of recent events, it has been observed that the academic institutions, generally, lack the Institutional response system to manage the spread of fake news. Therefore, 1 have been directed that following actions and procedures may be implemented for ensuring the transparent and fact- based communication between the administration, teaching staff, students and their families:

• All the institutions may establish Campus Based Fact-Checking Committees to monitor and counter dissemination of false Information on the campus. These committees should include senior teaching staff and students as their members.
• The administration should ensure that any complaint regarding any incident on the campus relating to any injury, harassment or any other sensitive matter is taken cognizance of and inquired within 12 hours. The administration should also ensure to update the students, teaching staff and parents of the students regarding all the relevant updates about the incident as well as remedial measures taken by the administration.
• The administration should also ensure that regular workshops and seminars are conducted to educate students and staff on the dangers of false Information and the ethical responsibility of sharing verified news.
• The administration should also ensure that students are made aware of tools and resources to identify fake news, including fact-checking websites and credible sources of information. These campaigns should:

a.        Train students on how to recognize and critically analyze Information before accepting it as truth.

b.        Raise awareness about the legal consequences of creating or sharing false Information, including defamation, cybercrimes, and the Impact on social harmony.

• The heads should also take other enabling measures to ensure the trust of the students and their families on the administration regarding administrative and disciplinary efficiency of the Institutions regarding any Issue pertaining to welfare of the students.

02.                   I am further directed to request you to share a detailed compliance report regarding the above mentioned directions.

Additional Secretary (A&G)