Jammu, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday informed the Assembly that the Draft New Media Policy-2026 is currently under inter departmental consultation, as it outlined ongoing efforts to counter misinformation and strengthen cyber security across the Union Territory.
Responding to a written query from MLA R.S. Pathania, the administration clarified that the Information Department does not have the authority to regulate websites, digital platforms, online news channels, or Fact Check Units (FCUs). However, it noted that the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) has set up a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell to track misleading content in real time.
According to the official reply, the department has issued 28 rebuttals related to fake news between April 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026 including 20 through press releases and eight via its verified social media channels. Departments have also appointed nodal officers to identify and report misinformation on a centralized portal for coordinated action.
The government emphasized that the Information Department neither authorizes private fact-checking bodies nor imposes penalties on individuals or organisations accused of spreading false information.
Acknowledging the expanding role of digital and social media, the administration said the proposed policy aims to establish a regulatory framework encompassing emerging media alongside traditional print outlets.
On cyber preparedness, the government highlighted a multi-layered strategy guided by the Information Technology Department. Security audits have been made mandatory for websites hosted on State and NIC data centres, while redundant portals have been taken offline or had their DNS mappings removed.
Institutional mechanisms such as monthly cyber reviews chaired by the Chief Secretary, an Information Security Steering Committee, and the appointment of internal security officers and technical experts have been introduced to bolster governance.
Additionally, departments have prepared Cyber Crisis Management Plans and are conducting regular cyber drills, awareness drives, and training programmes through the iGOT platform. The recently launched e-Security Assessment and Management (eSAM) portal is expected to further enhance monitoring and management of cyber assets, the House was told.