Kerala Introduces 'Fake News Detection' Modules in ICT Textbooks for Classes 5 and 7

New Delhi: The Kerala Government on Thursday launched a pioneering initiative by incorporating 'Fake News Detection' modules into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) textbooks for Classes 5 and 7. This new curriculum is aimed at helping students identify and verify fake news and malicious content, a move designed to bolster digital literacy among young learners.

This step precedes similar educational reforms in the UK, where the primary curriculum is set to include fake news detection. 

K Anvar Sadath, CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), which developed these modules, emphasized that the new textbooks are aligned with the principle of "Satyameva Jayate," or "Truth Alone Triumphs." 

The Class 5 textbook features a chapter called 'Let's Search the Internet,' which includes guidance on managing screen time and identifying fake news. 

The Class 7 textbook includes 'Let's Search and Find,' focusing on information verification and the legal consequences of spreading false information.

This initiative builds on Kerala’s previous digital literacy efforts. In 2022, KITE trained nearly 20 lakh students across Grades 5 to 10 on recognizing and addressing fake news, marking a significant milestone in India's educational approach to digital media.

Looking ahead, Kerala plans to expand these modules to ICT textbooks for Classes 6, 8, 9, and 10 in the next academic year, also introducing foundational concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI).