K'taka moots 10yr jail for fake news, misinformation
Bengaluru: The Karnataka govt has resolved to crack down on fake news and misinformation by constituting a six-member social-media regulatory authority to ban promotion and spread of fake news on social media, prohibit posting of content insulting to women, ban publication of content that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols, beliefs and content which promotes superstition.
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nder Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill 2025, accessed by TOI, the govt has proposed up to seven years in prison or Rs 10 lakh fine or both if social-media users are found guilty of sharing unverified information. It has also suggested a two- to five-year jail term and fine for misinformation on social media or in publications. These offences will be considered cognizable but non-bailable.
The social-media regulatory authority will ensure content posted on social media should be based on authentic research on subjects related to science, history, religion, philosophy and literature.
To fasten accountability, the bill states special courts will be set up with Karnataka high court's concurrence, with a sessions judge presiding over one or more districts. The special courts will issue directions to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, or any other persons exercising control over communication medium disseminating misinformation to persons in Karnataka.
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The proposal It gives the aggrieved parties 30 days to respond to notices. If directions are ignored, then the court can issue punishment of simple imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of Rs 25,000 a day, subject to a maximum of Rs 25 lakh.
The bill suggests action against directors of companies and employees, who were present during the violation of the laws if their company is found guilty. It suggests special public prosecutors for every special court for fake news and misinformation, besides proposing punitive action under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against persons posting fake news.
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What is fake news?
Misquotation, false, inaccurate report of one's statement, editing audio or video resulting in distortion of facts, context, or purely fabricated content.
What is misinformation?
Knowingly, recklessly making false or inaccurate statement of fact -- wholly or in part -- in the context in which it appears, excluding opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy or parody, or any other form of artistic expression if a reasonable man of ordinary prudence does not pursue such communications as statements of facts.
Punishment:
For fake news: 7 years imprisonment and Rs 10 lakh fine
For misinformation: 2 to 5 years; for those who abet, punishment up to 2 years
For those who fail to abide by court directive: Up to 2 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000 per day up to Rs 25 lakh
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3-yr jail, 5k fine for hate speech, crime
Bengaluru: A bill on prohibition of hate speech and hate crimes is on the table, mooting punitive action of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5,000 against those found guilty.
Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime (Prevention and Control) Bill of 2025 has listed 11kinds of offences of hate speech and hate crime: Religion, race, caste or community, sex, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, residence, language, disability, or tribe.
It exempts those who are "bona fide artistic, creativity, performance or other forms of expression or academic or scientific inquiry, fair and accurate reporting or commentary in the public interest or in the publication of information, commentary, advertisement or notice or espousing of any religious tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writings that do not advocate hatred".
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Explainer
What is hate crime?
Any person who harms or incites harm or promotes hatred out of prejudice against or intolerance towards any other person because of victim's perceived characteristics, his or her family member or victim's association with, or support for, a group of persons who share any one or more such characteristics.
What is hate speech?
One who intentionally publishes, propagates, advocates anything or communicates to one or more persons that could reasonably be construed to demonstrate a clear intention to harm or incite harm or promote or propagate hatred.
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