(a) whether the Government has formulated any regulatory framework for digital news portal;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of news portals registered in the country, State/UT-wise and language-wise?
(a) whether the Government has formulated any regulatory framework for digital news portal;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of news portals registered in the country, State/UT-wise and language-wise?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR):
a) &(b): Government has notified Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, on 25th February, 2021 under Information Technology Act, 2000. A copy of the Rules is available on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.mib.gov.in. These Rules inter- alia provide for the following:-
i. Code of Ethics to be followed by publishers of news & current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms);
ii. A three-level Grievance Redressal Mechanism for time bound redressal of grievances/complaints relating to the violation of Code of Ethics by the publishers; and
iii. Furnishing of information by the publishers to the Government and periodical disclosure of information in public domain regarding grievance redressal.
c) : The Rules provide for digital news publishers to furnish certain information to the Government; registration is not a requirement. Over 1800 digital news publishers have furnished requisite information to the Government.
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