Anurag Thakur replies to MP Arora on action taken against fake news channels

Ludhiana, December 13, 2023: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has, since December, 2021, issued directions for blocking from public access of 122 YouTube based news channels for carrying content violative of section 69A of IT Act, 2000 in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, Defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to the above.

This has been stated by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur in reply to a question asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora in the ongoing winter session of Rajya Sabha. Arora had sought answer from the Minister on action taken against fake news channels. He had asked about the steps government has taken to make sure that fake news channels are shut down; and the number of channels which have been forced to shut down in the last three years.

In his reply, the Minister stated that the government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021) under Information Technology Act, 2000 which inter-alia provides for adherence of Code of Ethics laid down under the Rules by publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms) and a three tier mechanism for redressal of grievance relating to violation of the Code of Ethics by them. 

Further, the Minister answered in his reply that for electronic media, all private satellite television channels are inter-alia required to adhere to the Programme Code laid down under the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 in respect of content broadcast by them. The Act also provides for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for addressing grievances relating to the violation of the Codes by the TV channels. Appropriate action is taken where violation of the Codes is found.

Giving this information in a statement here today, Arora said other news-based YouTube Channels should consider as a “lesson” the action taken against 122 YouTube news channels by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He opined that everyone should follow the law framed by the government. He said moreover, credibility matters for every news organization therefore prior check and counter check must be done before making the story live.