Legal Framework Against Fake News And Misinformation
The Government of India continues to strengthen legal measures to combat fake news and misinformation across print, television, and digital media. These efforts aim to protect public order, sovereignty, and the integrity of information. Various laws and rules regulate media content and impose obligations on publishers and platforms to ensure responsible dissemination of news.
Regulation of Print Media
Print media in India must follow the Norms of Journalistic Conduct set by the Press Council of India (PCI). These norms prohibit publication of fake, defamatory, or misleading news. The PCI investigates violations under Section 14 of the Press Council Act. It can issue warnings, admonishments, or censure newspapers, editors, and journalists found guilty of breaches. This mechanism seeks to maintain ethical standards in print journalism.
Television Media Oversight
Television channels are governed by the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The Code forbids broadcasting content that is obscene, defamatory, false, or contains suggestive innuendos and half-truths. The 2021 Amendment introduced a three-tier grievance redressal system. This mechanism addresses complaints about violations and enforces corrective action against offending channels.
Digital Media and IT Rules, 2021
Digital news publishers and online content providers must adhere to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules include a Code of Ethics for digital news and online curated content, including OTT platforms. The rules require fact-checking, transparency, and accountability in content dissemination. The Government’s Fact Check Unit, established in 2019 under the Press Information Bureau, verifies news related to the Union Government and counters misinformation on social media.
OTT Platforms and Content Regulation
OTT platforms are legally bound not to transmit prohibited content. They must implement age-based self-classification for content, following guidelines on nudity and sexual depiction. Platforms must also enforce access controls to restrict age-inappropriate material for children. The government issued advisories in 2025 to ensure OTT platforms comply with Indian laws and the IT Rules, 2021. To date, 43 OTT platforms have been blocked for violations.
Legal Powers to Block Content
Under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the government can block websites, social media accounts, and posts that threaten sovereignty, security, or public order. Section 79(3)(b) mandates intermediaries to remove unlawful content upon notification by appropriate authorities. These provisions empower the state to swiftly act against harmful or fake information online.
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