SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is working on a Media Policy to regulate social media platforms, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, as legislators debated the need for greater oversight of digital content.
Itoo said the Information Department would soon introduce the policy to address issues related to social media regulation. She also supported calls in the House for action against what legislators described as unregulated digital platforms.
The issue arose during a discussion on the functioning of the media and the circulation of content through digital platforms. MLA Altaf Ahmad also urged Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to consider measures against the unauthorised circulation of videos and other material from the Assembly.
Rather said the press had an important role in a democratic system but warned that the government could intervene if media organisations failed to discharge their responsibilities.
“Press has an important role. If they fail to fulfil their responsibility, the government will act,” the Speaker said.
He called for a comprehensive legal framework governing the sector, saying journalists working professionally and in accordance with established norms should be able to perform their duties, while action could be taken against those operating outside the media framework.
National Conference legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi said the media was essential to the functioning of the government and legislature but stressed the importance of professional standards and ethics.
“Press plays an important role and we cannot work without them. But there should be a proper law so that every journalist can work professionally with proper ethics,” Gurezi said.
Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para cautioned against attempts to exercise extensive control over social media, saying digital platforms could not be completely regulated.
“We are living in a digital era. Nobody can control social media, and we cannot blame media for everything. It is our responsibility too,” Para said.
MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said existing laws were sufficient to address many of the concerns raised in the House, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the changing digital environment.
“There are enough laws to regulate things. No doubt there are challenges, but they can be addressed,” Bhat said.
The discussion reflected differing views among legislators over the scope of social media regulation, with some seeking stronger legal provisions and others emphasising professional responsibility and the practical limits of controlling digital platforms.
The proposed Media Policy is expected to set out the government’s framework for dealing with social media and other digital media-related issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
