Karnataka moots 7-yr jail for fake news, 2-5 yrs for misinformation
BENGALURU: Karnataka's govt has resolved to crackdown on fake news and misinformation by constituting a six-member social-media regulatory authority to ban promotion and spread of fake news on social media, prohibit posting of content insulting to women, ban publication of content that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols, beliefs, and content that promotes superstition.
Under the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, accessed by TOI, govt has proposed up to seven years in prison or Rs 10 lakh fine, or both, if social-media users are found guilty of sharing fake news. It has also suggested a two- to five-year jail term and fine for misinformation on social media or in publications. These offences will be considered cognisable but non-bailable.
The social-media regulatory authority will ensure content posted on social media should be based on authentic research on subjects related to science, history, religion, philosophy and literature.
To fasten accountability, the bill states special courts will be set up with Karnataka HC's concurrence, with a sessions judge presiding over one or more districts. The special courts will issue directions to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, or any other persons exercising control over communication medium disseminating misinformation to persons in Karnataka.
The proposal gives aggrieved parties 30 days to respond to notices. If directions are ignored, then the court can issue punishment of simple imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of Rs 25,000 a day, subject to a maximum of Rs 25 lakh.
The bill suggests action against directors of companies and employees who were present during the violation of the laws if their company is found guilty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
33 minutes ago
- United News of India
Kashmir is crown of India, people awaiting fellow countrymen with open hearts: Shivraj
Srinagar, July 4 (UNI) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan today described Kashmir as the 'crown jewel of India' and 'heaven on earth', saying its people are eagerly waiting to welcome fellow countrymen without fear or hesitation. 'I have been in Srinagar since yesterday, among the people, feeling the cool breeze, the earthy fragrance of the soil, and the unmatched warmth of the locals. This land fills the heart with love. Truly, Kashmir is the crown of India and the heaven on earth,' Chouhan told media after attending the sixth convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar, where he was the chief guest. Chouhan urged people across the country to visit Kashmir. 'I would like to tell my fellow countrymen that the people of this place are waiting for them with a loving heart. Let us come here without any fear, without any hesitation, and let us set a new example of brotherhood and love,' he said. Emphasising the Centre's commitment to a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Minister highlighted the government's vision of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a horticulture hub, especially for apples, almonds, and walnuts. 'We are establishing a state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centre with an investment of Rs 150 crore to ensure disease-free, high-quality planting material. This will allow our farmers to compete globally,' he said. He added that private nurseries will be supported through subsidies, and a tissue culture lab dedicated to saffron cultivation will also be set up. 'Our goal is to bring world-class technology and support to every farmer in the valley,' the minister said. Focusing on rural development, Chouhan stressed that no poor person will be left house ledd in in Jammu and Kashmir. 'Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a survey of 5 lakh people has been conducted. Eligible beneficiaries will receive housing support after verification,' he assured. The minister also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to infrastructure development in the region. 'The Prime Minister has sanctioned road projects worth Rs 4,200 crore to enhance connectivity to remote villages,' he said. UNI MJR PRS
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
US passes 1% levy on foreign remittance tax: How will it impact Indians?
The U.S. Congress passes Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' on Thursday (July 03, 2025). The legislation, which takes effect on July 4, 2025, introduces a 1% levy on remittances made through cash, money orders, or cashier's cheques. It targets international money transfers made by non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders and temporary visa workers like those on H-1B or H-2A visas. The proposed levy will not be applicable to U.S. citizens. India stands as the world's top remittance recipient. Other major recipients include Mexico, China, the Philippines, France, Pakistan and Bangladesh. 'The proposed U.S. tax on remittances sent abroad by non-citizens is raising alarm in India, which stands to lose billions in annual foreign currency inflows if the plan becomes law,' the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said. GTRI said that the loss would tighten the supply of U.S. dollars in India's foreign exchange market, putting modest depreciation pressure on the rupee. In a relief to Non-Resident Indians (NRI), the tax rate was originally set at 5%, but was reduced to 1% in the final version of the Bill. The Bill also exempts remittances made from 'an account held in or by a financial institution' and those 'funded with a debit card or a credit card issued in the United States'. How does it impact India? Reserve Bank of India data shows the U.S. is the largest source of remittances to India, accounting for 27.7% or $32.9 billion of the remittances that flowed into the country in 2023-24. In States like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, millions of families rely on remittances to cover essential expenses like education, healthcare, and housing. 'A tax on remittances would certainly dent the remittances coming into India,' a government official told The Hindu. 'But the government has not yet made an assessment of what that dent will be.' The official also added that India has also not yet taken a call on whether to approach the U.S. for some relief in the matter or not.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Did The Govt Promise Rs 15 Lakh Per Month On Rs 21,000 Investment?
Last Updated: In the video, Nirmala Sitharaman is seen claiming that people can join the government scheme, allegedly launched in partnership with the Finance Ministry of India A video circulating on social media claims that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is endorsing an investment platform allegedly developed with former Infosys CEO NR Narayana Murthy, promising returns of up to Rs 15 lakh per month from a Rs 21,000 investment. However, the claim has now been debunked as false. In the video, Sitharaman is purportedly seen stating that individuals can transform their lives by participating in this government initiative, which has been formulated in partnership with the Finance Ministry of India. She also mentions Narayana Murthy's contribution to the development of this advanced AI-powered platform. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the central government's official press agency, has debunked this claim. PIB has categorically declared the video as fake. In a social media post on X, PIB stated, 'This is a digitally altered #fake video. No such scheme has been launched or endorsed by the Finance Minister or the Government of India. Don't fall prey to any such suspicious investment claims! Stay alert. Verify before you trust." 'A digitally manipulated video featuring Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, endorsing a daily income investment platform, is circulating online. This video has been artificially altered using Al technology!" PIB Fact Check stated. For those looking to verify misleading news related to the government, PIB Fact Check provides assistance. Individuals can send screenshots, tweets, Facebook posts, or URLs of suspicious content to PIB Fact Check via WhatsApp or email. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 04, 2025, 13:38 IST
