Framework to fight fake news has been made strong: Minister, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The government has strengthened the framework to combat fake news and deepfakes across media platforms.
• Free speech is protected under Article 19(1) of the Constitution.
• A broad statutory and institutional framework exists to address fake news across various media platforms.
• The Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been set up under the Press Information Bureau to check fake news related to the government.

Detailed Insights:

• The government acknowledges the increasing instances of fake news, false information, misleading content, and AI-generated deepfakes across media platforms.
• TV channels adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, which prohibits obscene, defamatory, deliberately false content.
• The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act establishes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to address violations.
• The Press Council of India's Norms of Journalistic Conduct restrain the publication of fake, defamatory, or misleading news in print media.
• The Information Technology Rules 2021 includes a Code of Ethics for publishers of news and current affairs on digital media.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Fake News: False or misleading information presented as news.
• Deepfakes: AI-generated media that convincingly depicts someone doing or saying something they did not.
• Article 19(1): Guarantees freedom of speech and expression as a fundamental right in the Indian Constitution.