The government plans to revise guidelines for online intermediary platforms to curb the spread of fake news.
This includes revisiting the “safe harbour” provisions under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which currently protect platforms from being held liable for user-generated content.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) suggested that platforms should be required to proactively remove fake news.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, dozens of YouTube channels spreading misinformation were blocked, including some Indian ones.
The government believes platforms should be more accountable and is considering limiting their legal immunity if they fail to act against misinformation.
While no new law on fake news is planned yet, the I&B Ministry supports self-regulation and says legal changes would need broad consensus due to free speech concerns.
The government is also pushing to give legal backing to the PIB Fact Check Unit to counter fake news about official programs and policies.
A special leave petition is being filed against the Bombay High Court’s judgment that invalidated the Fact Check Unit’s power to remove safe harbour protections.
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