Govt identifies 16 fake news websites, over 300 misleading Facebook accounts: Info Minister

The government has identified 16 misinformation-based websites, more than 300 misleading Facebook accounts, and hundreds of fake social media profiles as part of its efforts to combat the spread of rumours and disinformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon disclosed the figures in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to a written question from reserved-seat lawmaker Fahima Nasrin.

The minister said authorities have also detected 137 fake Facebook accounts, pages and groups impersonating prominent individuals, along with 100 X (formerly Twitter) accounts involved in spreading misleading content.

He said BanglaFact, a fact-checking initiative run by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) under the ministry, has been playing a key role in verifying false claims and countering online misinformation.

According to the minister, BanglaFact has so far published 860 fact-checks, investigative reports, analyses, videos and reels, including 306 reports since the current government assumed office. The platform now verifies and publishes reports on an average of three to five claims each day.

Highlighting efforts to strengthen responsible journalism, Zahir Uddin Swapon said 6,774 journalists have received professional training through 141 workshops held across all 64 districts between October 1, 2024 and June 2026.

Since the current government took office, 739 journalists have participated in 20 training programmes, including 14 specialised workshops on digital journalism, AI and fact-checking.

The minister said every training programme includes modules on combating misinformation, fact-checking techniques and the responsible use of AI in journalism.

He added that the government is preparing to publish a Fact-Checking Manual for media professionals and will continue expanding initiatives to prevent the misuse of AI and deepfake technologies.