The Karnataka government has approved a massive ₹67 crore Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered social media monitoring system to identify fake news, misinformation and online threats across various digital platforms.

The Social Media Analytical Solution (SMAS) will scan public posts and alert authorities to harmful content while preserving traditional media platforms from scrutiny.

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Government Approves AI Tool to Monitor Online Content

The state government said current methods have not kept pace with the fast spread of disinformation and hate speech online.

“The AI system is designed to sift through large volumes of data and identify harmful digital content, including terrorism recruitment, child trafficking and misleading information.”

-H K Patil, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Karnataka

He said the SMAS will not require manual intervention and will operate across social media platforms, websites and messaging services.

Content from mainstream media’s digital wings will be excluded from automated scanning. The software is intended to help authorities act swiftly under existing laws where posts pose public danger.

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Scope, Cost and Implementation

The project’s cost is pegged at approximately ₹67.20 crore and will sit under the state Home Department. The cabinet noted that the measure aims to strengthen digital governance and improve the response to malicious online campaigns that can affect public order.

The state will finalise technical specifications before moving to tendering and rollout phases. The system is not limited to fact-checking; it will also trace the origins of suspect content and escalate threats to the relevant agencies.