Government issues advisory to media outlets ahead of Ayodhya event

Srinagar, Jan 20: In backdrop of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha celebration in Ayodhya on Monday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a comprehensive advisory to media entities and social media platforms.

The advisory emphasises the need to exercise caution and adhere to established norms and regulations, particularly concerning the potential dissemination of false or manipulated content that could disrupt communal harmony or public order.

The advisory encompasses various media sectors, including newspapers registered under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867; private satellite television channels; publishers of news and current affairs content on digital media; and social media platforms.

The advisory highlights the responsibility of these entities to refrain from publishing or telecasting any content that may be false, misleading, or have the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order.

The government has pointed to existing regulations applicable to the media, citing provisions from the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, the Press Council Act, 1978, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These regulations emphasise the importance of accuracy, fairness, and adherence to norms of journalistic conduct, especially when dealing with matters related to caste, religion, or community references.

The advisory specifically draws attention to the potential spread of unverified, provocative, and fake messages on social media platforms, expressing concerns about their impact on communal harmony and public order.

Media outlets and social media platforms have been urged to exercise due diligence and self-regulation to prevent the dissemination of objectionable or seditious material.

As part of the due diligence obligations outlined in the advisory, social media platforms are advised to make reasonable efforts to avoid hosting, displaying, or publishing information that could jeopardise national interests, promote communal disharmony, or incite violence.

The advisory concludes with a call for compliance with these guidelines, emphasising that they have been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.