Fake news: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has now withdrawn the circular.
The government on Monday had said that the
accreditation of a journalist could be permanently cancelled if the scribe is found generating or propagating fake news, as it came out with stringent measures to contain the menace. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had
issued certain guidelines for it, which sparked an outrage and raised questions about who defines
fake news. As per the amended guidelines for the accreditation of journalists, if the publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, the accreditation of that journalist would be suspended for a period of six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation. In case of a third violation, his or her accreditation would be cancelled permanently, the information and broadcasting ministry said in a release.
After serious outrage by the journalists and politicians over the circular being issued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the controversial government order on action against journalists over fake news be withdrawn and the matter only be addressed in the Press Council of India.
Here are the highlights on government's rules to check fake news:
Prime Minister directs government order over fake news be withdrawn, says matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on twitter asked journalist organisations to give suggestions in order to fight against ' Fake news': She tweeted:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on twitter that this is an attempt to curb press freedom and a sign that the government has lost its way. She tweeted:
What is the definition of fake news? In a democratic system, restricting media is equal to killing democracy. Today, we only get to see news that is pro-government. India has believed in free media and that should continue: Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on new guidelines issued by government for media to news agency ANI
While any confirmation of publication or telecast of fake news having been confirmed by any of these agencies:- The accreditation shall be suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation
- For one year in the case of 2nd violation
- And in the event of 3rd violation it would be cancelled permanently.
The Government has amended the Guidelines for Accreditation of Journalists.- On receiving any complaints of such instances of fake news, the same would get referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to print media
- If it's relates to electronic media, then it will be referred to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) for determination of the news item being fake or not.
- Determination is expected to be completed within 15 days by these regulating agencies.