Karnataka Cabinet clears ₹67 cr AI driven software to track fake news

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved an outlay of ₹67.26 crore for an Artificial Intelligence-driven “social media analytics solution” aimed at tracking and curbing the spread of fake news across digital platforms.Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the decision was taken as traditional methods have failed to effectively address the growing menace of misinformation on social media.“Traditional mechanisms have not been successful in preventing the spread of fake news. Hence, the government has decided to adopt AI-driven technology,” Patil said.
According to the minister, the proposed software will analyse digital content and monitor activities related to terrorism, hate speech, incitement of communal violence, kidnapping of children and other anti-social activities that could disturb law and order.Patil said the AI-based system will not only carry out fact-checking of online content but will also identify the source from where the content originates. The project will be implemented under the Home Department and rolled out across all 31 districts of the state.“With this new technology, digital content spreading hatred on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram will be identified, and the concerned authorities will be alerted,” he added.
In another key decision, the Cabinet cleared amendments proposed to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act, 2026. The amendment provides for the use of ballot papers in elections to Zilla Panchayats and Taluk Panchayats.“It has already been decided to introduce ballot papers for Bengaluru Corporation elections, and now the same will be extended to Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Gram Panchayat elections,” Patil said.Meanwhile, the Cabinet deferred discussions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list, the minister said.

(State Correspondent)