J&K Govt moves to regulate digital platforms with new media policy

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has informed that the draft of the New Media Policy–2026 is currently at the inter-departmental consultation stage for finalisation, marking a significant step towards structured regulation of digital platforms.

In a written reply to a question by MLA RS Pathania regarding measures to tackle fake news and misinformation, the government stated that, at present, the Information Department neither verifies nor grades private fact-check units (FCUs).

“However, in view of the recent proliferation of new and social media platforms, suitable provisions have been proposed in the draft New Media Policy–2026 to provide a regulatory framework for new and social media, along with print media. The draft is presently at the inter-departmental consultation stage for finalisation,” the government said.

The reply revealed that the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has a dedicated cell to monitor fake or misleading news. Such content is tracked in real time and rebutted through press releases and posts on the department’s official social media handles.

However, the regulation of websites, digital platforms, online news channels and fact-check units does not fall within the purview of the Information Department.

According to the government, a total of 28 rebuttals related to fake news and misinformation were issued by the DIPR between April 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. Of these, 20 were issued through press releases and eight via the department’s social media handles.

All departments of the Union Territory have also designated nodal officers to monitor department-specific fake news and issue timely rebuttals.

The J&K Media Policy–2020 authorises the DIPR to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and unethical or anti-national activities. It also empowers the department to de-empanel media houses or withhold government advertisements from entities found violating the policy.

Referring to legal provisions, the government stated that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 includes updated sections addressing online harms. Section 194 criminalises hate speech and promotion of enmity, Section 195 penalises religious insult, Section 356 deals with defamation, and Section 198 addresses the spread of rumours and public mischief — all of which are applicable to misuse of social media.

Meanwhile, taking cognisance of concerns raised by MLAs across party lines over alleged online smear campaigns, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured a separate half-an-hour discussion on the issue during the ongoing Budget Session.

The matter was raised in the House amid allegations that fake social media accounts and politically motivated handles were circulating defamatory content and misleading videos targeting elected representatives, thereby damaging their reputations and undermining the dignity of the House.