Latest news with #KarnatakaMisinformationandFakeNews(Prohibition)Bill
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Karnataka's fake news bill: Rs 10 lakh fine, 7-year jail for disrespecting sanatan symbols, promoting superstition
Agencies The state government's draft proposal—the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025—placed before the cabinet last week, has raised concern among stakeholders. According to the bill, the government looks to criminalise and punish those who spread misinformation. The draft bill says that companies and social media platforms may also be held liable for fake news shared through their the draft bill, social media users found guilty can face two to five years in jail. If one posts fake news on social media platforms, they can be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to Rs 10 lakh. Abetment of such offences will also attract a two-year jail term, the 11-page draft read. The draft includes formulating a state 'fake news regulatory authority' tasked with a broad mandate to monitor and regulate the content disseminated on social media platforms. 'Prohibit publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms. Prohibit publication of content promoting superstition,' the draft bill accessed by ET read. Government's takePriyank Kharge, state IT-BT minister, told ET that the document is an opinion of a few individuals in the law department and will be thoroughly discussed by the home and IT departments before moving forward. Defending the Congress government's move, Kharge said, "We are not deciding whether it is misinformation or fake news. We are getting professionals to do that. We would love it if even the Editors Guild of India or the Press Council of India, or anybody else, wants to be a part of it."He added that the government is not trying to change any policy. 'We're just trying to connect the dots that already exist and make a bill out of it." The minister emphasised that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that misinformation creates havoc and is a threat to democracy. The new authority's core functions would include ensuring a complete ban on the spread of fake news. It also talks about content that is abusive, obscene, anti-feminist, or insulting to the dignity of women. The new body will have the power to recommend punitive action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against individuals or entities found asked if the government would support such a bill at a central level, Kharge, referring to the Broadcast and Digital Bill, said, "We are not doing anything like tampering with the IT Act. We are merely categorising any public interest information as true or false. And we are tracking it up with reasons why we think it is false. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. The bike taxi dreams of Rapido, Uber, and Ola just got a jolt. But they're winning public favour Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story Punit Goenka reloads Zee with Bullet and OTT focus. Can he beat mighty rivals? 3 critical hurdles in India's quest for rare earth independence HDB Financial may be cheaper than Bajaj Fin, but what about returns? Why Sebi must give up veto power over market infra institutions These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 23% return in 1 year, according to analysts Are short-term headwinds from China an opportunity? 8 auto stocks: Time to be contrarian? Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal initiates coverage on Supreme Industries; UBS initiates coverage on PNB Housing
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka's fake news bill: Rs 10 lakh fine, 7-year jail for disrespecting sanatan symbols, promoting superstition
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The state government's draft proposal—the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025—placed before the cabinet last week, has raised concern among stakeholders. According to the bill, the government looks to criminalise and punish those who spread misinformation. The draft bill says that companies and social media platforms may also be held liable for fake news shared through their the draft bill, social media users found guilty can face two to five years in jail. If one posts fake news on social media platforms, they can be imprisoned for up to seven years and fined up to Rs 10 lakh. Abetment of such offences will also attract a two-year jail term, the 11-page draft draft includes formulating a state 'fake news regulatory authority' tasked with a broad mandate to monitor and regulate the content disseminated on social media platforms. 'Prohibit publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms. Prohibit publication of content promoting superstition,' the draft bill accessed by ET takePriyank Kharge, state IT-BT minister, told ET that the document is an opinion of a few individuals in the law department and will be thoroughly discussed by the home and IT departments before moving the Congress government's move, Kharge said, "We are not deciding whether it is misinformation or fake news. We are getting professionals to do that. We would love it if even the Editors Guild of India or the Press Council of India, or anybody else, wants to be a part of it."He added that the government is not trying to change any policy. 'We're just trying to connect the dots that already exist and make a bill out of it."The minister emphasised that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that misinformation creates havoc and is a threat to new authority's core functions would include ensuring a complete ban on the spread of fake news. It also talks about content that is abusive, obscene, anti-feminist, or insulting to the dignity of women. The new body will have the power to recommend punitive action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against individuals or entities found asked if the government would support such a bill at a central level, Kharge, referring to the Broadcast and Digital Bill, said, "We are not doing anything like tampering with the IT Act. We are merely categorising any public interest information as true or false. And we are tracking it up with reasons why we think it is false.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka IT dept, stakeholders in dark over fake news bill
BENGALURU: Congress-governed Karnataka's proposed law to make dissemination of fake news online punishable with up to seven years in jail may have hit its first hurdle already, with confusion over why the Kannada and culture department should be the deciding authority on something within the information technology domain. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "As custodians of Information Technology Act, we have given recommendations to the law and parliamentary affairs department. Consultations are yet to happen on the draft bill," IT&BT minister Priyank Kharge said. Advocate Vinay Sreenivasa highlighted the potential for such a law to be misused without an effective mechanism. "The proposed bill is likely to cause suppression of civil liberties rather than contain fake news. It is shocking that the Congress govt hasn't followed the pre-legislative consultation policy brought by UPA II. Govt must immediately organise a consultation," he said. A leaked copy of the draft Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 mentions the establishment of an authority to determine fake news and take appropriate action under the Kannada and culture department. Sources said the draft was still to be reviewed by the cabinet because there was no clarity on how the objective of combating fake news could be realistically achieved. Kharge's objection to some aspects of the proposed mechanism led CM Siddaramaiah to postpone the discussion till the next cabinet meeting, they said. Officials of the law and parliamentary affairs department said a scrutiny committee scanned the bill before the first draft was finalised. Internet Freedom Foundation, an independent agency, points out on its website that the govt hasn't yet sought public feedback on the proposed bill. The foundation wants the govt to drop criminal provisions in the bill and publish the full draft and background note for public consultation.
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Karnataka proposes strict bill to curb fake news. Key details
Karnataka has unveiled an ambitious legislative proposal aimed at curbing the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, seeks to introduce stringent penalties, including up to seven years in prison and fines as high as Rs 10 lakh, for individuals found guilty of disseminating fake proposed law also targets those spreading misinformation, prescribing jail terms ranging from two to five years, alongside monetary Notably, these offences are classified as cognisable and non-bailable, underscoring the government's intent to treat such violations with utmost seriousness.A central feature of the bill is the establishment of a six-member social-media regulatory body would be empowered to ban the promotion and spread of fake news, prohibit content deemed insulting to women, and restrict the publication of material that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols, beliefs, or that promotes authority will also ensure that content related to science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature posted on social media is grounded in authentic expedite accountability and enforcement, the bill proposes the creation of special courts, with the concurrence of the Karnataka High courts, presided over by sessions judges, would have jurisdiction over one or more districts and would be responsible for issuing directives to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, and any entity controlling communication mediums that disseminate misinformation within such directions are ignored, the courts would have the authority to impose simple imprisonment of up to two years and levy fines of Rs 25,000 per day, up to a maximum of Rs 25 draft legislation also outlines a process for aggrieved parties, granting them 30 days to respond to official cases involving companies, the bill stipulates that action can be taken not only against the organization but also against directors and employees who were present during the violation, thereby extending liability to individuals within corporate proposed crackdown reflects the state government's heightened concern over the societal impact of misinformation and the challenges posed by rapidly evolving digital introducing a dedicated regulatory authority and special courts, Karnataka aims to set a precedent for robust legal frameworks designed to safeguard public discourse and uphold the integrity of information shared InTrending Reel
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka proposes stringent law to combat fake news and misinformation on social media. ‘7 year jail term and…'
In a significant move to tackle the spread of misinformation online, the Karnataka government is set to introduce a new law that proposes tough penalties for those found guilty of sharing fake news on social media platforms. The draft legislation — Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 — is expected to be tabled before the next cabinet meeting. Peddling fake news on social can land one in massive trouble, according to the new bill proposed by Karnataka government. (Representative image/Pexel) Also Read - Bengaluru's bike taxi riders in a fix over ban, urge Karnataka govt to reverse crackdown According to the proposed bill, individuals found guilty of deliberately sharing false information that threatens public health, safety, peace, or the integrity of elections could face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine reaching ₹ 10 lakh, or both. Even those residing outside the state who target Karnataka audiences with such content will fall under the ambit of this law. For spreading misinformation that disrupts public order or electoral processes, the bill suggests a minimum sentence of two years, extendable up to five years, along with monetary penalties. Furthermore, aiding or abetting the dissemination of such content could also lead to two years of imprisonment. The legislation aims to establish a complete ban on the circulation of fake news across social media platforms. To enforce this, the government plans to set up a regulatory body named the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. Also Read - Bengaluru Stampede: Karnataka CM, DCM responsible for tragedy, says activist - Report This authority will include the Minister for Kannada and Culture, who will serve as the ex-officio Chairperson, one member each from the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, Two members representing social media companies, appointed by the state and senior IAS officer designated as the Secretary of the Authority. The bill defines "misinformation" as a false or misleading factual claim made either knowingly or with reckless disregard for accuracy. However, it excludes opinions, satire, parody, religious or philosophical expressions, and comedy — provided an ordinary person would not interpret them as factual assertions. "Fake news," on the other hand, includes manipulated statements, misquoted content, edited videos or audio that distort reality, and outright fabricated narratives. In addition to targeting misinformation, the Authority will oversee restrictions on content deemed abusive, obscene, or insulting to women, including posts that are anti-feminist or demean the dignity of women. The bill also proposes banning content that disrespects Sanatan beliefs and symbols or promotes superstition. To expedite justice, the draft bill proposes the creation of special courts dedicated to trying such offences swiftly. It also calls for appointing special public prosecutors — at least one for each special court and one for every bench of the High Court. If passed, the law would mark a major step in the state's efforts to regulate online spaces, amid growing concerns about the impact of digital misinformation on public life and democracy. (With PTI inputs)
