SRINAGAR: Information and Broadcasting Mimnistry said it has addressed several pressing issues concerning the regulation of digital media and the protection of women on social media platforms. These include measures to prevent the circulation of fake news, the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the rising trend of online stalking and harassment of women.
The Government has been taking proactive steps to combat the spread of fake news across the country, minister Dr Murugan highlighted. Various statutory and institutional mechanisms have been set up to address the issue on multiple fronts. For print media, newspapers are required to follow the “Norms of Journalistic Conduct” as outlined by the Press Council of India (PCI), which prohibits the publication of fake, defamatory, or misleading news. The PCI holds inquiries into any alleged violations and takes appropriate actions, such as issuing warnings or censure.
In the case of private satellite TV channels, content is subject to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The Code forbids the broadcast of any content that is obscene, defamatory, false, or misleading. The Cable Television Network (Amendment) Rules, 2021, established a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints about violations of the Programme Code, with corrective actions taken when necessary.
For digital media, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, lay down a Code of Ethics. These rules require publishers and news outlets to adhere to the same norms of conduct as the print and broadcast sectors. To further combat misinformation, the Government set up a Fact Check Unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau in November 2019. This unit is tasked with verifying the authenticity of news related to the central government and disseminating accurate information via official social media platforms.
On the issue of data protection, Dr Murugan confirmed that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was officially notified on August 11, 2023. This landmark legislation aims to regulate the processing of digital personal data, ensuring the protection of individuals’ privacy while allowing for lawful data processing. The Act is a significant step towards safeguarding personal data in an increasingly digital world.
Addressing the growing concern of online stalking, particularly the harassment of women on social media platforms, Dr Murugan acknowledged the rise in cybercrimes, including online abuse and stalking. Under the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, such incidents are reported and dealt with by law enforcement. While policing and public order fall under the jurisdiction of state governments and Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the ‘Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children’ scheme. This initiative includes the online cybercrime reporting portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in), which allows the public to report cases related to child pornography, sexual abuse material, and other forms of cybercrime. The portal enables states and Union Territories to monitor complaints and take appropriate action against offenders.
