Origin Story

The Trusted Information Alliance (TIA) began as the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) in 2022—a network of fact-checkers and media organizations working to counter falsehoods in India's digital space. As our work deepened, so did the complexity of the challenges we faced.

Misinformation was no longer a standalone issue—it was tied to platform design, policy gaps, AI-driven content, public awareness, and information access. Our scope organically expanded to include transparency, platform responsibility, AI ethics, consumer safety, and civic empowerment.

To reflect this broader mission, we evolved into TIA: a cross-sector alliance committed to building a healthier, more trusted information ecosystem—for platforms, publishers, policymakers, and the public.

Promote Ethical and Responsible Communication

Collaborate with stakeholders to avoid manipulative messaging and encourage fair, inclusive public discourse.

Hold Platforms Accountable for Information Flows

Engage with digital platforms to improve algorithmic transparency, build safeguards, and prioritize user protection.

Strengthen the Infrastructure for Information Integrity

Support information creators, fact-checking networks, researchers, and technologists to detect, debunk false or harmful content.

Influence Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

Influence policy frameworks and regulations on information ecosystem

Advocate for Safe and Responsible Use of AI

Push for ethical standards, accountability mechanisms, and transparency in how AI is used to create and distribute content.

Empower Citizens Through Education and Access

Raise public awareness, support civic education, and expand access to credible content—especially in vulnerable communities.

Foster Transparency in Information Creation

Encourage TIA members and information creators to disclose information sources, sources of funding, and editorial practices more clearly and consistently.

Our Goals

At the Trusted Information Alliance, our goals reflect a collective commitment to making the digital information space more transparent, reliable, and responsive to the needs of users.

These goals guide our shared efforts: to make source and funding disclosures more transparent, to encourage responsible and inclusive communication, to improve the way information travels across digital platforms, and to expand public access to credible, relevant content.

Together, we’re shaping an ecosystem where trust, usefulness, and relevance are not just ideals, but everyday standards—and where people come first.

Our Governing Council

Rakesh Dubbudu

President, TIA

Rakesh is the founder of Factly, a prominent fact-checking, civic-tech, and public data initiative. With a career spanning over two decades, Rakesh is focused on building AI-powered technology solutions in the areas of public data & information.

Rajneil Kamath

Vice President, TIA

Rajneil is a serial entrepreneur and host of the Been There Done That podcast. A former Google employee, he founded Newschecker to advance trust in information ecosystem, and Saksham Senior to digitally empower senior citizens.

Neelam Singh

Treasurer, TIA

With over two decades of experience in media, Neelam currently leads THIP Media that combats health misinformation and champions health literacy. As a seasoned editor, speaker, and TV panelist, she works to empower the public about their health.

Abhilash Mallick
Member, TIA

Abhilash is an experienced journalist currently serving as the Editor of the Fact-Checking vertical at The Quint (WebQoof). His expertise lies in identifying bad actors, finding disinformation networks by using cutting-edge AI tools and grassroots engagement.

Bal Krishna

Member, TIA

Bal Krishna leads India Today Fact Check. A TV journalist for over two decades, he's reported from India and abroad, covering the Prime Minister's Office, Parliament, Foreign Affairs, and national politics. He takes interest in exploring innovative ways to use AI for verification.

Tarunima

Prabhakar

Member, TIA

Tarunima is research lead and co-founder of Tattle civic tech, which builds open datasets, AI models and tools to respond to online harms. With a background in computer science & public policy, she facilitates cross-disciplinary approaches to empower people to shape tech systems around them.

Urvashi Kapoor

Member, TIA

Urvashi is Senior Editor and AGM at Jagran New Media and a trainer with the GNI India Training Network. Her expertise in fact-checking and media literacy has won her several honors, including the '40 Under 40 in Journalism'. Her media & AI literacy projects have reached 70 million people worldwide.