The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 20
As India readies to celebrate the upcoming Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has raised concerns about the circulation of “unverified, provocative and fake messages” online, particularly on social media. Citing potential threats to communal harmony and public order, the government issued an advisory today urging media outlets and platforms to refrain from publishing or broadcasting any content that is false, manipulated, or risks disrupting interfaith peace and public safety. This includes newspapers, television channels, digital news platforms, and social media giants.
The advisory underlines the platforms’ due diligence responsibilities in mitigating the spread of such harmful content. Additionally, it highlights relevant provisions from the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct. These guidelines emphasize accuracy, fairness, responsible reporting on caste, religion, and community-sensitive issues, and upholding national interests while exercising freedom of speech and expression.
This is not the first time the MIB has addressed online content concerns. Previous advisories have advised television, print, and digital media, urging adherence to applicable norms and regulations, particularly regarding public order, information accuracy, and inter-religious harmony.
With heightened excitement surrounding the Ayodhya ceremony, the government’s proactive measures aim to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain peace ahead of the significant event