FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safety Matters Foundation Urges AAIB To Issue Immediate Rumour-Control Clarification And Confirm Data-Governance Safeguards In AI171 Investigation

Subhead: Public-interest aviation safety group calls for process-only updates to reduce harm from “source-based” speculation and protect confidence in an evidence-led inquiry.

Gurugram, India — 13 Feb, 2026 — Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) today submitted a formal representation to the Director General, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), requesting an immediate, process-only “rumour-control” public clarification regarding the ongoing AI171 accident investigation involving Air India, alongside time-bound confirmations of high-level data-governance safeguards.

SMF’s request follows recurring public-domain narratives framed as “reliable source” reporting that attribute alleged intent or culpability to identifiable flight crew, which SMF warns risks reputational harm to individuals and families, and may undermine public trust in an evidence-led investigation. The representation cites existing Government communications that have urged restraint against speculation and reiterates that the investigation remains ongoing.

Quote from a named spokesperson:

“When an information vacuum is filled with attribution and insinuation, real people pay the price—families, colleagues, and communities—long before facts are established. A brief, process-only rumour-control clarification can reduce harm, protect the integrity of the investigation, and keep the public focused on safety learning rather than scapegoating,” said Capt. Amit Singh, Founder, Safety Matters Foundation.

SMF has requested that AAIB, within 24 hours of receipt, issue a concise public note reaffirming the investigation’s ongoing status and clarifying that “source-based” claims or purported excerpts attributed to protected records—including any claims about cockpit voice recordings—should not be treated as verified AAIB findings. The representation also requests, within seven days, a structured communications protocol aligned with ICAO guidance on preventing misinformation, including a single authorised channel, a predictable update cadence, and a standing rumour-control mechanism.

Bullet points (key requests and timelines):

• Within 24 hours: AAIB “rumour-control” process note discouraging premature attribution of intent/culpability and directing stakeholders to official communications only.
• Within 7 days: ICAO Doc 10053-aligned communication protocol (authorised spokesperson, update cadence, “What we know / What we don’t know / What happens next” format, rumour-control mechanism).
• Within 7 days: High-level governance confirmations on privacy/data-handling grievance contact point, written arrangements with assisting/accredited entities, and leak/breach-risk assessment status (as applicable and/or as best practice).

SMF emphasised that its representation is made in good faith, does not allege concluded wrongdoing by AAIB or any assisting/accredited entities, and does not seek disclosure of protected investigation material. Instead, it seeks narrowly tailored harm-reduction communication and governance assurances appropriate to a sensitive, multi-agency investigation environment.

For more information and updates from Safety Matters Foundation, visit www.safetymatters.co.in.

ABOUT SAFETY MATTERS FOUNDATION

Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) is a public-interest aviation safety organisation focused on advancing a just culture, evidence-led investigation integrity, and public communication practices that support safety learning and reduce harm from misinformation. Based in Gurugram, SMF works to strengthen safety governance through education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
URL www.safetymatters.co.in

MEDIA CONTACT:
Name, Title: Capt. Amit Singh
Phone: ++919899399776
Email: admin@safetymatters.co.in
Website: www.safetymatters.co.in
X: @flyingamit, @safetymatters6

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