Posted fake news on social media? Karnataka's new law could send you to jail for 7 years
The
Karnataka government
is preparing to launch one of the country's most stringent crackdowns on fake news and misinformation on
social media
. It has proposed the formation of a six-member social-media regulatory authority and special courts with powers to jail offenders and impose hefty fines.
Under the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, accessed by The Times of India, the government proposes to ban the promotion and spread of fake news on social media, prohibit posting of content that insults women, and restrict the publication of material that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols and beliefs, or content that promotes superstition.
If found guilty of sharing unverified information, social-media users could face up to seven years in prison, a fine of Rs 10 lakh, or both. The bill also proposes two to five years' jail and fines for misinformation spread through social media or publications. All these offences will be treated as cognizable but non-bailable.
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The proposed social-media regulatory authority will ensure that online content is based on authentic research, particularly in fields such as science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature.
To tighten accountability, the bill proposes the setting up of special courts with the concurrence of the Karnataka High Court, with a sessions judge presiding over one or more districts. These courts will have the authority to issue directives to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, or anyone controlling a communication medium that disseminates misinformation to persons in Karnataka.
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The proposal allows 30 days for aggrieved parties to respond to any notice issued. If the court's directions are ignored, it can issue simple imprisonment of up to two years and impose a daily fine of Rs 25,000, with a maximum limit of Rs 25 lakh.
The bill also proposes action against directors and employees of companies if they were present when their company committed an offence. It recommends appointing special public prosecutors in each special court to handle fake news and misinformation cases.
In addition to the provisions in the new bill, punitive action is proposed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against individuals who post fake news.
The bill defines fake news as any misquotation, false or inaccurate report of a statement, or editing of audio or video that results in distortion of facts or context, including purely fabricated content.
Misinformation, as defined by the bill, involves knowingly or recklessly making false or inaccurate factual statements, either wholly or partially, in a given context. However, it excludes opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy, parody, or any form of artistic expression, as long as a reasonable person of ordinary prudence does not interpret such communications as factual.
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