Fake Press IDs Sold Online Amid Protests Against Election Commission Exercise
Recent protests against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise saw individuals posing as journalists using fake press IDs purchased online for as low as Rs 599. Investigations revealed that some press credentials were linked to newly formed or dubious organizations like the Indian Press Union, which sold such IDs and equipment. While genuine protesters sought accountability, reports suggest that some participants exploited the protests to spread misinformation and gain online attention, raising concerns about media authenticity during political demonstrations.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 71%, Right 29%). Overall sentiment is negative (35/100). Lens Score 55/100.
Outlets measured: opindia, indiatoday. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
All 1 outlets scored close to centre on political lean. The real divergence here is in emphasis, not lean — compare the headlines below to see how each outlet chose to frame the same facts.
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (32–38/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
indiatoday broke this story on 21 Oct, 09:56 am. Other outlets followed.