Why Timeline Withdrew Article Called "DisInfo Lab Targeting US-Based Critics Of PM Modi: The Washington Post Report"

Disinfo Lab Edited by
Why Timeline Withdrew Article Called

DisInfo Lab Targeting US-Based Critics Of PM Modi: The Washington Post Report (Image: Pixabay)

On Dec 12, 2023, Timeline had published a news article with the headline “DisInfo Lab Targeting US-Based Critics Of PM Modi: The Washington Post Report”. The article had covered a news report titled “Covert Indian operation seeks to discredit Modi’s critics in the U.S” by The Washington Post in which it alleged that an organisation called the Disinfo was targeting US-based critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi through social media posts and dossiers since 2020. Timeline’s coverage only and solely contained the content from The Washington Post news report, and it was completely sourced from The Washington Post.

But, after a year later on January 6, 2025, Timeline received an email from Aditya Ghughe <adv.adityaghughe@gmail.com> claiming that the news story contains “statements that are factually incorrect, misleading, and harmful” to his client’s reputation in violation of applicable laws relating to defamation, business reputation, and privacy rights.

The email also warned that “if the article is not removed promptly, We will be compelled to consider all available legal options to safeguard our client’s rights and reputation”.

In this context, Timeline has decided to withdraw the article, and replace it with this communication.

Here’s is the full email from Aditya Ghughe:

Dear Sir,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of my client. It has come to our attention that your website currently hosts a link containing false and defamatory information about my client’s company, which is damaging to its reputation, business interests, and operations. The specific content in question can be found at the following URL: https://timelinedaily.com/india/disinfo-lab-targeting-us-based-critics-of-pm-modi-the-washington-post-report  

This publication contains statements that are factually incorrect, misleading, and harmful to my client’s reputation in violation of applicable laws relating to defamation, business reputation, and privacy rights.

Disinfo Lab, a legal entity committed to unveiling and combating fake news and propaganda designed to create social division and disharmony. They take pride in being Asia’s first DisInfo Lab, with completely unbiased research and presentation on all sorts of nefarious activities taking place all around.

However, we have observed that the Western media  has published a highly misleading and defamatory article targeting Disinfo Lab, which misrepresents the organization’s activities and intentions. This article appears to be part of a sustained campaign to spread negative and inaccurate portrayals of India, with no factual basis or credible evidence to substantiate the claims.

We would like to highlight that the article in question contains significant factual inaccuracies and intentional misrepresentations of our client’s work and objectives. Despite our organization’s consistent efforts to provide objective, unbiased information on disinformation and propaganda, this piece continues to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of Disinfo Lab.

We kindly request the immediate removal of the article and its associated link from your platform. We believe this action is necessary to mitigate the further damage being caused by the spread of misinformation. 

If the article is not removed promptly, We will be compelled to consider all available legal options to safeguard our client’s rights and reputation.

We look forward to your swift response and immediate action on this matter.

Thanks & Regards
Advocate Aditya Ghughe
Associate Lawyer
Cyber Law Consulting

Here is a screenshot of the email:

Timeline received an email from Aditya Ghughe <adv.adityaghughe@gmail.com> claiming that the news story contains “statements that are factually incorrect, misleading, and harmful” to his client’s reputation in violation of applicable laws relating to defamation, business reputation, and privacy rights.