The article discusses the historical context of governments acting as arbiters of truth, tracing back to ancient narratives like Aeschylus' 'Prometheus Bound' and Orwell's '1984'. It highlights that throughout history, instances where governments take on the role of determining truth have resulted in negative outcomes, citing various regimes that have employed propaganda and censorship.

In Argentina, the recent proposal to establish an Office of Official Response aimed at actively 'debunking lies' is examined critically. The author contends that this initiative is not merely a denial of misinformation but raises important questions about the appropriateness of the state in deciding what constitutes truth in public discourse. Unlike direct censorship, this effort is seen as more insidious—a state apparatus designed to qualify, correct, and label speech, which can lead to broader implications for freedom of expression.

The article emphasizes the dangers of such institutionalization, suggesting it creates a mechanism for state control over the narrative, potentially stifling dissent and promoting a singular version of the truth. It warns that history shows these efforts often result in oppressive practices, highlighting the need for vigilance against such government overreach in defining truth and manipulating public perception.