Centre backs most of IT panel's suggestions to curb fake news

Mumbai: The Centre has accepted nine of the 12 recommendations made by a parliamentary standing committee to strengthen the mechanism to curb fake news, but deferred replies to three contentious issues, including defining "fake news". The other two replies classified as interim in nature relate to organisations and mechanisms involved in fact-checking, and penal provisions related to fake news, the standing committee on communications and information technology said in its action taken report.

The recommendations accepted include measures relating to strengthening the regulatory framework to curb fake news, self-regulation across media, artificial intelligence and fake news, awareness and media literacy, and obligations of social media intermediaries.

The government, through the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB), informed the committee that the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit continues to verify misinformation relating to the central government. Also, broadcasters are required to be members of self-regulatory bodies, digital publishers are required to establish grievance redressal mechanisms under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and proposed amendments to the IT Rules provide for labelling and metadata requirements for synthetically generated content.


While taking note of these responses, the committee sought updates on implementation of the proposed measures, including amendments to the Press Council Act and the IT Rules, the functioning of grievance redressal mechanisms, and progress on media literacy initiatives.

On defining "fake news", the committee reiterated its recommendation that the term be defined and suitable provisions incorporated into the existing regulatory framework for print, electronic and digital media, while maintaining the balance between combating misinformation and protecting freedom of speech and individual rights guaranteed under the Constitution.