Latest news with #KarnatakaMisinformationandFakeNews(Prohibition)Bill
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka proposes stringent law to combat fake news and misinformation on social media. ‘7 year jail term and…'
In a significant move to tackle the spread of misinformation online, the Karnataka government is set to introduce a new law that proposes tough penalties for those found guilty of sharing fake news on social media platforms. The draft legislation — Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 — is expected to be tabled before the next cabinet meeting. Peddling fake news on social can land one in massive trouble, according to the new bill proposed by Karnataka government. (Representative image/Pexel) Also Read - Bengaluru's bike taxi riders in a fix over ban, urge Karnataka govt to reverse crackdown According to the proposed bill, individuals found guilty of deliberately sharing false information that threatens public health, safety, peace, or the integrity of elections could face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine reaching ₹ 10 lakh, or both. Even those residing outside the state who target Karnataka audiences with such content will fall under the ambit of this law. For spreading misinformation that disrupts public order or electoral processes, the bill suggests a minimum sentence of two years, extendable up to five years, along with monetary penalties. Furthermore, aiding or abetting the dissemination of such content could also lead to two years of imprisonment. The legislation aims to establish a complete ban on the circulation of fake news across social media platforms. To enforce this, the government plans to set up a regulatory body named the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. Also Read - Bengaluru Stampede: Karnataka CM, DCM responsible for tragedy, says activist - Report This authority will include the Minister for Kannada and Culture, who will serve as the ex-officio Chairperson, one member each from the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, Two members representing social media companies, appointed by the state and senior IAS officer designated as the Secretary of the Authority. The bill defines "misinformation" as a false or misleading factual claim made either knowingly or with reckless disregard for accuracy. However, it excludes opinions, satire, parody, religious or philosophical expressions, and comedy — provided an ordinary person would not interpret them as factual assertions. "Fake news," on the other hand, includes manipulated statements, misquoted content, edited videos or audio that distort reality, and outright fabricated narratives. In addition to targeting misinformation, the Authority will oversee restrictions on content deemed abusive, obscene, or insulting to women, including posts that are anti-feminist or demean the dignity of women. The bill also proposes banning content that disrespects Sanatan beliefs and symbols or promotes superstition. To expedite justice, the draft bill proposes the creation of special courts dedicated to trying such offences swiftly. It also calls for appointing special public prosecutors — at least one for each special court and one for every bench of the High Court. If passed, the law would mark a major step in the state's efforts to regulate online spaces, amid growing concerns about the impact of digital misinformation on public life and democracy. (With PTI inputs)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka moots 7-yr jail for fake news, 2-5 yrs for misinformation
AI image BENGALURU: Karnataka's govt has resolved to crackdown 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 that promotes superstition. Under the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, accessed by TOI, 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 fake news. 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 cognisable 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 HC'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. The proposal gives 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.
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Karnataka Plans New Law to Stop Fake News on Social Media
The Karnataka Cabinet has proposed a new law called the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. The aim is to stop fake news and misinformation shared on social media. Law Minister HK Patil said the bill will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting. What the Bill Says: Fake news includes false quotes, edited audio/video clips, or wrong information shared online. It also includes content shared by individuals or groups using real or fake social media accounts. The state will set up a Fake News Regulatory Authority to enforce the law. Who Will Be in the Authority? Minister for Kannada and Culture (Chairperson) One member each from Karnataka Assembly and Council Two members from social media companies An IAS officer as the secretary Punishment for Fake News Anyone found guilty of spreading fake news may face up to 7 years in jail, a fine up to ₹10 lakh, or both. Review of KAT Functioning The Cabinet also discussed the working of the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT). There have been complaints about how it functions. Recently, KAT cancelled the KPSC recruitment of 384 gazetted probationers, saying the 50% reservation limit (set by the Supreme Court) was violated. The government is now re-examining the system.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Karnataka Cabinet proposes Bill to curb misinformation, fake news
BENGALURU: The Cabinet on Thursday proposed the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, to prohibit misinformation and fake news in the state. The bill will be tabled at the next cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil informed. As per the draft bill, fake news includes combinations of misquotes or false and/or inaccurate report of one's statement. Editing audio or video clips which result in distortion of facts and/or the context; purely or juridical, organized or unorganized, that utilizes social media content. It includes a person or group of persons, natural or juridical, organized or unorganized, who utilize social media platforms to send messages and/or information through social media accounts, verified or under a pseudonym, fictitious or false account/page name. The State government shall ensure complete prohibition of fake news on social media platforms, and constitute the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority to implement the Act. The Authority shall comprise the minister for Kannada and Culture, information and broadcasting as ex-officio chairperson; one member each from the Karnataka Assembly and Council to be nominated by the presiding officers; two representatives of social media platforms to be appointed by the state government, and an IAS officer as secretary.
