(Online Desk)

In a bid to stop the dissemination of fake news, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Monday amended guidelines which seek to suspend the accreditation of a journalist if found guilty. Officials claimed that the initiative had been taken following instances of fake news appearing on media platforms.

As per the new guidelines, “Once the complaint is registered for determination of fake news, the correspondent or journalist whoever created or photographed the fake news will, if accredited, have the accreditation suspended till such time the determination regarding the fake news is made by the regulating agencies.”  

They also say that any complaint about fake news would be referred to the Press Council of India if it pertains to the print media, or to the News Broadcasters Association if it relates to the electronic media, to determine whether or not the news is fake. These agencies will complete the determination within 15 days.

If the news is found to be fake, the accreditation of the journalists involved in creating or propagating it will be suspended for six months for the first violation. The accreditation will be suspended for one year for a second violation, and cancelled permanently for a third violation.