Mohammed Zubair, a native of Bangalore, Karnataka, is a distinguished Indian journalist, fact-checker, and the founder of Alt News, a reputable fact-checking website. Prior to his career in journalism, Zubair worked as a software engineer. Alt News operates under the umbrella of an Indian non-profit organization, diligently pursuing its mission to verify and debunk misinformation circulating in the public domain. Zubair’s dedication to truth and accuracy has played a significant role in combating the spread of false information and promoting informed discourse in the digital age.
Mohammed Zubair Biography Overview
| Name | Mohammed Zubair |
| Born | December 29, 1983 (age 40) |
| Place of Birth | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Education | M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (B.Tech.) |
| Occupation | Journalist, Fact-Checker |
| Co-founder | Alt News (fact-checking website) |
| Years Active | 2017 – present |
| Known for | Combating fake news, highlighting online disinformation, and his arrest in 2022 under controversial charges. |
| Website | https://www.altnews.in/ |
| @zoo_bear: https://twitter.com/zoo_bear | |
| Controversies | Arrest in 2022 for tweets deemed offensive to religious sentiments, sparking concerns about press freedom in India. |
| Awards & Recognition | Listed in the USCIRF Religious Prisoners of Conscience database. |
Mohammed Zubair Biography / Wiki
Mohammed Zubair was born on December 29, 1988, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, into a Muslim family. He is around thirty-six years old. Zubair is a well-known journalist and fact-checker, co-founding the website Alt News.
On June 27, 2022, Zubair was called in for questioning by Delhi police and later taken into custody. This happened because of his reporting on religious freedom. The arrest was linked to an investigation into a 2018 post that was considered disrespectful towards a Hindu deity.
He was accused of inciting hatred and engaging in activities to inflame religious sentiments. However, Zubair was released on the same day after the Supreme Court granted temporary bail in all six cases against him.
TN Government give the award to Mohammed Zubair
On January 26, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government recognized journalist Mohammed Zubair for promoting communal harmony. He received the Kottai Ameer Communal Harmony Award, along with a medal, diploma, and Rs 25,000 during the Republic Day celebrations at Marina Beach. The Chief Minister, MK Stalin, presented the award, with Governor RN Ravi in attendance.
Zubair, a resident of Krishnagiri and co-founder of the fact-checking website AltNews, was acknowledged for his fact-checking articles that debunked rumors of attacks on Hindi-speaking migrant laborers in the state. Despite this positive recognition, the BJP criticized him, labeling him a “biased manipulator.” The citation accompanying the award highlighted Zubair’s efforts in contributing to communal peace.
Mohammed Zubair Family, Personal Life
Mohammed Zubair was born in India on December 29, 1988. Even when he was a teenager, he liked uncovering false information. We don’t know much about his parents or where he was born.
After getting his degree from the M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, he worked with Nokia for over 10 years as a software developer. Later, he switched to journalism and quickly became a notable Indian journalist, especially after co-founding Alt News.
Alt News is a platform that checks for false information. They use a tool called Facebook’s CrowdTangle to keep an eye on Facebook pages that spread false content, no matter their political views.
Mohammed Zubair is quite private about his personal life, and as far as we know, he keeps it away from the internet. He’s dedicated to his work at Alt News, a job that comes with its challenges. Despite making important contributions, he has faced threats and acts of violence due to the nature of his work.
Mohammed Zubair Career
Early Career (2006-2016):
- Worked as a software engineer for Nokia for almost a decade.
Transition to Journalism and Fact-checking (2016-present):
- 2016: Co-founded Alt News with Pratik Sinha, a fellow software engineer.
- 2017: Alt News website launched, focusing on fact-checking and debunking misinformation, particularly online.
- 2017-2022:
- Played a key role in Alt News’ investigations and exposés of fake news and propaganda campaigns, often targeting claims made by politicians and public figures.
- Gained recognition for his work in combating online disinformation and promoting media literacy.
- Faced criticism and legal challenges from some political groups and individuals accused of spreading misinformation.
Controversial Arrest and Ongoing Legal Challenges (2022-present):
- June 2022: Zubair was arrested by Delhi Police over a 2018 tweet deemed offensive to religious sentiments.
- June-July 2022: Incarcerated for a month before being granted bail by the Supreme Court.
- August 2022 onward: Faces ongoing legal challenges related to the 2018 tweet and other charges.
- His arrest and case have sparked concerns about press freedom and freedom of expression in India
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