Panel Recommends Amending Penal Laws and Introducing Fact-Checking to Tackle Fake News
Panel proposes stricter penalties, mandatory fact-checking, AI oversight, and media literacy initiatives to curb misinformation.
New Delhi, Sep 10: A parliamentary committee has recommended comprehensive measures to tackle fake news, calling it a serious threat to public order and democratic processes. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, in its draft report adopted on Tuesday, suggested amending penal provisions, increasing fines, and assigning accountability for the creation and dissemination of fake news.
The report, unanimously adopted under BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, also calls for mandatory fact-checking mechanisms and internal ombudsmen in all print, digital, and electronic media organizations. The committee emphasized collaboration among government bodies, private entities, and independent fact-checkers to combat misinformation effectively.
Key recommendations include holding editors, content heads, publishers, and digital platforms accountable for editorial failures or the spread of fake news. The committee suggested amending existing laws to impose stricter penalties and fines that serve as deterrents, while ensuring a balance between curbing misinformation and protecting freedom of speech.
The report also noted the need for clearer definitions of misinformation and fake news in current regulations and advocated inter-ministerial coordination to address domestic and cross-border threats. Drawing on international best practices, the panel suggested the creation of a small inter-ministerial task force to deal with cross-border misinformation and AI-generated fake content.
The committee highlighted the role of AI tools, recommending human oversight and mandatory labeling of AI-generated content. It also urged ministries to develop a time-bound grievance redressal framework, digital tracking systems, and comprehensive media literacy programs in schools to enhance critical thinking.
Concerns were raised about Section 79 of the IT Act, which provides safe harbour to digital platforms, allowing sensational content to be amplified algorithmically. The committee emphasized stricter fines, penalties for repeat offenders, independent regulatory bodies, and leveraging technology like AI to curb the spread of misinformation.
The draft report underscores the global challenge posed by fake news, which can disrupt public order, democratic processes, individual reputations, financial markets, and media credibility. The committee’s recommendations are expected to be adopted by Parliament in the next session.
