Truth over Rumours: Bennett's BCFDI Upholds Digital Integrity And Fights Misinformation
Times of Bennett | Updated: Sep 05, 2025 18:32
A student-led initiative bringing evidence-driven fact-checking to the digital age.
By Sampada Sharma
On the eve of Independence Day, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Bennett University inaugurated the Bennett Centre for Fact-Checking and Digital Integrity (BCFDI), an initiative of the Times School of Media, to combatmisinformation and safeguard citizens from digital deceit. Prof. (Dr.) Sumit Narula, Director of BCFDI and Dean of the Times School of Media, said, “Today’s viral rumours demand more than good intentions they demand tool power truth .” stressing the importance of equipping young media professionals with truth-seeking skills.
The launch comes at a time when misinformation and digital chaos have become pressing global concerns. Fromfake news to manipulated visuals, rumours often shape public perception and influence decisions. “Media Literacy is your shield and compass in the digital dungeon to recognise Misinformation you must first recognise how media is made why frames are chosen and how biases are being built and then question everything.” noted Dr. Varsha Sisodia, Academic Lead BCFDI, underlining how media literacy initiatives are essential to safeguard democracy and informed citizenship.
At the heart of BCFDI is the Bennett Verification Squad, a team of student fact-checkers trained with next-gen tools to investigate and verify information. “We're the Fact-Checking Fellows. Real-timenews , real impact-debunking rumours every day. People send us tips, we do the digging and share the truth. We're BCFDI's first line of defence.,” says the Bennett Verification Squad, reflecting the enthusiasm among young fact-checkers to contribute to digital integrity. Another student added, “ BCFDI taught me that journalism is not just about telling stories, but about protecting truth in a world full of noise.” emphasizing how the initiative provides real-world exposure in tackling misinformation.
Training sessions led by Prof. Narula introduced students to advanced fact-checking methods, including verification of images, videos, and online content. Fellows of the Bennett Verification Squad were taught how to spot lies, trace sources, and authenticate digital material. “At our Centre we equip our community with global standard verification techniques like Image Forensics, Video Analysis, AI driven checks and open-source investigation to set a new goal standard turning every challenge into an opportunity to defend Fact over the fabrication.,” remarked Professor Narula, highlighting how these workshops bridge academic learning with industry-grade skills.
“At BCFDI, we help you shape a shadow built on integrity and trust.,” says the BCFDI team , stressing the real-world impact of the initiative. Looking ahead, the center envisions expanding its outreach, collaborating with media organizations, and becoming a national hub for digital integrity and truth.
To make fact-checking accessible to the public, BCFDI has launched a dedicated helpline where citizens can send in rumours at BCFDI@bennett.edu.in and receive verified information.
The writer is a second-year student of BA Mass Communication. She is passionate about Expression and Media. And loves to write in her free time.
By Sampada Sharma
On the eve of Independence Day, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Bennett University inaugurated the Bennett Centre for Fact-Checking and Digital Integrity (BCFDI), an initiative of the Times School of Media, to combat
The launch comes at a time when misinformation and digital chaos have become pressing global concerns. From
At the heart of BCFDI is the Bennett Verification Squad, a team of student fact-checkers trained with next-gen tools to investigate and verify information. “We're the Fact-Checking Fellows. Real-time
To make fact-checking accessible to the public, BCFDI has launched a dedicated helpline where citizens can send in rumours at BCFDI@bennett.edu.in and receive verified information.
The writer is a second-year student of BA Mass Communication. She is passionate about Expression and Media. And loves to write in her free time.
