New Delhi: Bharat Gupta, CEO of Jagran New Media, has resigned as President of the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA), a position he has held since the organization’s inception in January 2022. During his tenure, Gupta played a crucial role in establishing the MCA as a formidable coalition that includes 12 fact-checking organizations, three media companies, and a civic tech organization, all united in the fight against misinformation.
Reflecting on his time with the MCA, Bharat Gupta stated, “After almost three years of joint effort to protect our community from the deadly spread of misinformation and disinformation, I believe it is time for new leadership to guide the organization. I am deeply grateful for the continuous support of my fellow MCA members and the dedication of our fact-checkers. Together, we have made significant progress in combating the misinformation epidemic.”
Gupta also expressed his appreciation for the International Fact-Checking Network Advisory Board, stating, “It has truly been a privilege to advocate for the importance of accurate information and work with committed professionals from around the world. While I am stepping down from my role as President of the MCA, my responsibility to fight misinformation remains as strong as ever. I believe in the organization’s mission and vision and have full confidence in the team’s ability to continue driving impactful change in this battle.”
Under Gupta’s leadership, the MCA launched several significant initiatives, including a collaboration with Google aimed at combating election-related misinformation and a partnership with Meta’s Deepfakes Analysis Unit, which introduced a multilingual WhatsApp helpline for real-time fact-checking support. His visionary approach has not only strengthened the MCA’s influence in India but has also promoted digital literacy and a shared commitment to truth on a global scale.
The Misinformation Combat Alliance, founded in 2022, is dedicated to reducing the spread of misinformation through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts with leading media and technology partners. The MCA continues to empower individuals and organizations to navigate the complex digital landscape with confidence and accuracy.
As Gupta steps down, the organization looks forward to new leadership that will continue to uphold its mission and foster further advancements in the fight against misinformation.
