In a significant step towards strengthening digital governance and safeguarding citizens from fraudulent online content, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification on November 14, 2025, designating a new Nodal Officer responsible for tackling misinformation and misuse of the Ministry’s identity in the digital space. The notification, issued under S.O. 5198(E), reinforces India’s efforts to uphold integrity, authenticity, and compliance within the digital ecosystem.
This move comes under the powers granted by clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and clause (d) of sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Together, these provisions empower the government to identify responsible officers who can coordinate with online platforms, address unlawful digital content, and ensure a safer digital environment for citizens.
Why This Notification Matters
The digital presence of government ministries has expanded rapidly in recent years, enabling greater transparency, accessibility, and citizen engagement. However, this expansion has also made government entities targets of impersonation, fraud, and misinformation. Fake recruitment ads, forged job letters, misleading URLs, and fraudulent websites falsely claiming affiliation with ministries have become disturbingly common.
Such activities do not merely cause confusion—they can compromise personal data, exploit vulnerable job seekers, and damage trust in genuine government initiatives. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, which plays a crucial role in employment generation, worker welfare, and social security, is particularly vulnerable to such digital misuse.
By appointing a dedicated Nodal Officer, the government has created an official channel responsible for monitoring, reporting, and coordinating the removal of such harmful content.
Role of the Newly Designated Nodal Officer
As per the notification, the Joint Secretary, IT Cell in the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been designated as the Nodal Officer for all matters specified under the IT Act and its associated Digital Media Ethics Code.
The responsibilities of this Nodal Officer include:
- Identifying and reporting misinformation or misleading data circulating online about the Ministry or its schemes.
- Tracking and addressing fake websites, URLs, and online platforms falsely claiming affiliation with the Ministry.
- Acting against impersonation, including fraudulent job offers and fake employment notifications.
- Ensuring protection against unauthorized use of the Ministry’s name, logo, or digital content across digital media.
- Coordinating with intermediaries, such as social media platforms and website hosting services, to request removal or disabling of harmful content under applicable legal frameworks.
This structured oversight aims to ensure faster response times, better coordination, and more effective action against digital fraud.
Strengthening Trust in Digital Governance
The designation of a Nodal Officer is more than a procedural update—it’s a strategic move toward reinforcing trust in government communication and protecting citizens from digital exploitation. As online interactions continue to influence employment opportunities, scheme awareness, and public engagement, the government’s proactive stance is timely and essential.
By combining legal authority with specialized oversight, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is taking a decisive step toward ensuring that citizens receive accurate, secure, and trustworthy information in the digital age.