"2-Hour Strike on Fake News!" Central Ministries Form Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to Crush Social Media Rumours in Real Time!

In a major nationwide crackdown against online misinformation, Union Government ministries and departments are setting up dedicated Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to track, verify, and counter fake news circulating on social media platforms. With viral rumors, deepfakes, and distorted claims spreading within seconds on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, X, and YouTube, the government has set an ambitious target for these specialized teams: issue official, factually accurate clarifications ideally within two hours of detecting false or misleading content.

Key departments-including Power, Agriculture, and Commerce-have already formed their QRTs, with other ministries rapidly following suit. Working under technical guidance from the New Media Wing of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these units operate in tight coordination with the PIB Fact Check Unit. Instead of issuing dry, bureaucratic press releases, QRT members are being trained to respond in native digital formats-using short videos, clear infographics, posters, and concise text under 200 words-to match viral algorithms and reach young audiences directly.

Whenever viral posts involve potential public harm, coordinated disinformation campaigns, sensitive policy issues, or legal implications, matters will be escalated immediately to senior administrative authorities for urgent intervention.