Govt. tightens its grip on fake news

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting headed by Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists.

Accreditation of a journalist (both television and print) can be cancelled/annulled if the new reported by them is found to be “fake”.

“Noticing the increasing instances of fake news in various mediums including print and electronic media, the Government has amended the Guidelines for Accreditation of Journalists,’ a press note from the ministry said.

On receiving complaints of "fake news" will be referred to Press Council of India (PCI) if it pertains to print media & to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) if it relates to electronic media.

Both the agencies will have to dispose off each complaint within 15-days. During the period of probe, the journalist's accreditation will be suspended.

"While any confirmation of publication or telecast of fake news having been confirmed by any of these agencies, the accreditation shall be suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of second violation and in the event of third violation it would be cancelled permanently," the ministry said in a statement.