India editors see BJP's proposal to ban 'fake news' as censorship
World
India editors see BJP’s proposal to ban ‘fake news’ as censorship
NEW DELHI (Web Desk) – A group of Indian journalists while reacting to the Narender Modi led government’s proposal to ban news it deemed ‘fake’ stated that it would be tantamount to censorship.
It was contended that “meaningful consultations” should be held with stakeholders instead to devise regulatory framework for digital media. “The determination of fake news can not be in the sole hands of the government” as it will “make it easier to muzzle the free press” and “force online intermediaries to take down content that the government may find problematic”, it added.
The BJP led government had proposed to restrict the publication of the news after it was deemed “fake or false” by the Press Information Bureau or any other agency authorized for fact-checking. It barred the social media platforms to host any information that went against the guidelines.
