THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Government has taken steps to trap online organizations which are promoting religious fundamentalism and treason in Kerala by taking foreign money under the guise of journalism. The Central Intelligence Agency has collected information from five online media outlets in the state. Two outlets in Thiruvananthapuram is under surveillance and one each fromKochi, Kozhikode and Kasaragod districts are under surveillance. The Centre had sought information on the owners and their bank accounts, the background of the Chief Editor and the employment of the members of the Board of Directors. They are looking to see if they have any previous ties to the media, any other business people or partners, or have worked with any organizations in the past. A preliminary evaluation report of the employees of the establishments was also submitted to the Centre.

The salary account and Advertising Revenue Accounts has been found. Intelligence has found that some online media outlets in Kerala have high revenue and are paid by advertising agencies controlled by foreign organizations. The move comes in the wake of warnings that such institutions could be used to rapidly disseminate false messages and emotionally charged news as news at critical junctures.