Karnataka Govt Proposes Law to Tackle Fake News, Misinformation
New Delhi: In a move to tackle the rapidly growing menace of fake news, the Karnataka government has proposed a new law with penalties of up to seven years' imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rs 10 lakh. The draft, presented to the cabinet a week ago, has been in development for two years. This was one of the Congress party's first initiatives when it came to power two years ago.
The proposed law grants the state government the power to 'ensure a complete prohibition on fake news on social media platforms.' The draft defines fake news as 'misquotation or false and/or inaccurate reporting of one's statement; editing audio or video that results in the distortion of facts and/or context; or purely fabricated content.'
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the draft law defines misinformation as 'knowingly or recklessly making a false or inaccurate statement of fact, whether wholly or in part, in the context in which it appears, excluding opinions, religious or philosophical sermons, satire, comedy, parody, or any other form of artistic expression, provided a reasonable person of ordinary prudence would not interpret such communications as statements of fact.'
For spreading misinformation that disrupts public order or electoral processes, the bill, as reported by Hindustan Times, proposes a minimum sentence of two years, extendable to five years, along with monetary penalties. Aiding or abetting the dissemination of such content could also lead to two years' imprisonment, according to the report.
The draft law establishes a six-member Regulatory Authority, headed by the minister for Kannada and culture, a role currently held by Shivaraj Tangadagi. Special courts will also be set up to expedite trials under the proposed law.
As a rationale for the law, the state government states that the problem of fake news 'cannot be solved.' The draft notes, 'Today, social media is the biggest force in the world, but caution is also necessary in its use.'
As reported by Deccan Herald, the law proposes to prohibit abusive and obscene content, including anti-feminist material. It also seeks to ban the publication of content 'amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs' on social media.
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