Posted fake news on social media? Karnataka's new law could send you to jail for 7 years
Karnataka government
is preparing to launch one of the country's most stringent crackdowns on fake news and misinformation on
social media
. It has proposed the formation of a six-member social-media regulatory authority and special courts with powers to jail offenders and impose hefty fines.
Under the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, accessed by The Times of India, the government proposes to ban the promotion and spread of fake news on social media, prohibit posting of content that insults women, and restrict the publication of material that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols and beliefs, or content that promotes superstition.
If found guilty of sharing unverified information, social-media users could face up to seven years in prison, a fine of Rs 10 lakh, or both. The bill also proposes two to five years' jail and fines for misinformation spread through social media or publications. All these offences will be treated as cognizable but non-bailable.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
The proposed social-media regulatory authority will ensure that online content is based on authentic research, particularly in fields such as science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature.
To tighten accountability, the bill proposes the setting up of special courts with the concurrence of the Karnataka High Court, with a sessions judge presiding over one or more districts. These courts will have the authority to issue directives to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, or anyone controlling a communication medium that disseminates misinformation to persons in Karnataka.
Live Events
The proposal allows 30 days for aggrieved parties to respond to any notice issued. If the court's directions are ignored, it can issue simple imprisonment of up to two years and impose a daily fine of Rs 25,000, with a maximum limit of Rs 25 lakh.
The bill also proposes action against directors and employees of companies if they were present when their company committed an offence. It recommends appointing special public prosecutors in each special court to handle fake news and misinformation cases.
In addition to the provisions in the new bill, punitive action is proposed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against individuals who post fake news.
The bill defines fake news as any misquotation, false or inaccurate report of a statement, or editing of audio or video that results in distortion of facts or context, including purely fabricated content.
Misinformation, as defined by the bill, involves knowingly or recklessly making false or inaccurate factual statements, either wholly or partially, in a given context. However, it excludes opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy, parody, or any form of artistic expression, as long as a reasonable person of ordinary prudence does not interpret such communications as factual.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nikhil Asks for white paper on KK region development
Kalaburagi: In response to CM Siddaramaiah's claims about providing 13 thousand crores for Kalyana Karnataka's development, JD(S) youth unit state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy has called for the state govt to release a white paper detailing the specific development projects. Speaking at a press conference at the district JD(S) office in Kalaburagi, he emphasised the importance of the Karnataka govt's commitment to welfare programmes. He questioned Siddaramaiah's statements in Yadgir regarding KKRDB expenditure, requesting clarification on fund allocation. He highlighted the extensive sand mafia operations in Sedam and Chittapura regions of Kalaburagi district, noting illegal sand mining worth approximately Rs 165 crore. While the deputy commissioner is monitoring the situation, he criticised the state govt's lack of action and urged immediate attention to this issue. Addressing education concerns, he pointed out the declining ESL results in Kalaburagi district and called for swift govt action to fill vacant teaching positions. Regarding party activities, he reported that the 'Janata Dal with the People of JD(S) Party' campaign has successfully registered 4 lakh members through missed calls, with over 1 lakh active participants. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He explained that the Janata Dal tour aims to strengthen JD(S) at the grassroots level. The registration drive will continue across north and south regions, with senior leaders planning major conferences in Old Mysore and Kalaburagi (Kalyana Karnataka region) after Aug 20.
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
SDM seeks anticipatory bail after steno's arrest
Ludhiana: SDM (Raikot) Gurbir Singh Kohli filed an anticipatory bail plea following the arrest of his stenographer in a corruption case. He alleged political pressure from MLA (Raikot) Hakam Singh Thekedar and his personal assistant to issue illegal orders in revenue matters. The bail application, filed in the court of Special Judge Amrinder Singh Shergill, was dismissed as premature. The court noted that the SDM has not yet been named as an accused and granted him the liberty to seek legal remedy if and when that happens. The case dates back to June 13 arrest of Jatinder Singh, the stenographer posted in the SDM's office, who was caught accepting a bribe of over Rs 24 lakh. The arrest followed a complaint by a resident of Sukhana village, who alleged that both the SDM and his stenographer were extorting money in exchange for official work. In his bail plea, the SDM claimed that he was being falsely implicated for resisting political interference. He alleged that since his posting as SDM, Raikot on April 16, 2025 (and during his previous tenure from October, 2021 to October, 2023), the MLA and his aide repeatedly pressured him—through personal meetings, phone calls, and WhatsApp messages—to pass unlawful orders. He cited a specific instance where he refused to cancel a sale deed that lacked legal merit, which allegedly angered the MLA and his assistant. According to the SDM, the refusal led to a conspiracy to frame him in the bribery case. Raikot MLA Hakam Singh Thekedar has strongly denied the allegations, saying that he never asked the SDM to engage in any illegal activity.
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nettaru murder case: NIA arrests absconding accused at Kannur airport
Mangaluru: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the targeted killing of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Nettaru by cadres of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested a key accused, who was absconding for the last two years. Abdul Rahaman was taken into custody by the NIA team at Kannur International Airport on his arrival from Qatar. A total of four accused, including Abdul Rahaman and two other absconders, were chargesheeted by the NIA in this case in April this year, taking the total number of individuals chargesheeted in the case to 28. The NIA also declared rewards for information relating to six absconders. Abdul Rahaman was carrying a reward of Rs 4 lakh for his arrest. NIA investigations revealed that Abdul Rahaman, on directions of PFI leadership, voluntarily harboured the main assailants and others involved in the case. He fled to Qatar after the attackers were arrested, the NIA stated. Praveen Nettaru was brutally killed with sharp weapons by PFI cadres/members on July 26, 2022, in Bellare village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada district. The killing was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at striking terror among the people and unleashing communal hatred and unrest in society. The NIA, which re-registered the case on Aug 4, 2022, is trying to track down the remaining absconders, said the release.
