New Delhi, Sep 10: Calling fake news a threat to public order and democracy, a parliamentary standing committee has recommended amending penal provisions, imposing higher fines, and fixing accountability across media platforms.
In a draft report adopted unanimously on Tuesday, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, urged the government to tighten penal provisions and fix accountability for content across print, electronic, and digital platforms. The panel observed that sensational and misleading information often spreads faster than factual content, aided by algorithmic biases on social media platforms.
The committee has suggested that every media organisation — whether print, broadcast, or digital — should be required to establish an internal fact-checking unit and appoint an ombudsman to handle complaints. It stressed that accountability must be shared: editors and content heads for editorial lapses, owners and publishers for institutional failures, and intermediaries or platforms for allowing fake news to spread.
Calling current penalties inadequate, the report recommended increasing fines to make them a stronger deterrent. It also asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to work with stakeholders to clearly define “fake news” and “misinformation,” while safeguarding freedom of speech and constitutional rights.
Flagging concerns over foreign influence, the panel proposed an inter-ministerial task force with representatives from the Information and Broadcasting, External Affairs, and IT ministries, along with legal experts. It suggested adopting global best practices, such as France’s law on election misinformation, to tackle disinformation campaigns with international links.
With the growing use of artificial intelligence in creating deepfakes and fabricated news, the panel pressed for regulation of AI content. It recommended exploring licensing requirements for AI creators, mandatory labelling of AI-generated material, and the use of AI tools under human supervision to track and curb fake content.
The committee also underlined the need for a long-term educational approach. It called for media literacy to be included in school curricula, training for teachers and librarians, and nationwide awareness campaigns to help citizens critically evaluate information.
While advocating strong measures, the panel cautioned against undermining free expression. It insisted reforms should come through consensus with media bodies and stakeholders, striking a balance between combating misinformation and protecting democratic freedoms.
The committee’s recommendations will be placed before Parliament in the upcoming session for further discussion and possible adoption. (Agencies)
