India’s official fact-checking unit has debunked a viral claim circulating on social media, underlining concerns around misinformation and manipulated content on digital platforms.
In a post on X, the Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit, PIB Fact Check, said a viral claim stating that all Indian users must obtain an income tax clearance certificate (ITCC) before leaving the country is false.
The unit said certificates are not mandatory for all individuals and apply only in specific cases under existing legal provisions. It added that the rule has remained unchanged since 2003, including after amendments through the Finance (No. 2) Act.The government-backed unit cautioned users against sharing unverified information and advised reliance on official sources for confirmation. It said the viral content had no factual basis.
The clarification comes amid continued instances of misleading posts gaining traction across digital platforms, often amplified through forwards and algorithm-driven visibility before being verified.
The fact-checking unit, which operates under the Press Information Bureau, has been addressing false claims related to government policies, public figures and financial scams.The development also aligns with broader regulatory attention on financial misinformation. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has tightened norms around financial influencers, stating that unregistered individuals cannot offer investment advice and placing restrictions...
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