JAMMU, Feb 12 : The Jammu and Kashmir administration has rebutted 28 fake or misleading news items in 10 months through its media monitoring cell, but does not have the mandate to regulate websites, digital platforms or private fact-checking units, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply to a question by legislator R S Pathania, the Information Department said a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell has been set up in the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) for real-time tracking of fake news.
“Twenty rebuttals have been issued through Press Releases and eight through social media handles of the DIPR, J&K from April 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026,” the reply stated.
The government, however, made it clear that regulation of websites, digital platforms including online news channels, and Fact Check Units does not come under the purview of the Information Department.
It further said the department neither recognises nor authorises any private Fact Checking Unit (FCU). “As of now, the Information Department does not verify, grade or audit private Fact Check Units,” the reply noted.
The government has now proposed a regulatory framework for new and social media in the draft New Media Policy-2026, which is currently at the inter-departmental consultation stage for finalisation.
On the issue of penal action against entities spreading misinformation, the department submitted that imposition of fines on any organisation or corporate entity for spreading fake news does not come under its mandate.
The reply further said all departments have designated Nodal Officers to monitor department-specific fake news, who have been provided login IDs to upload rebuttals on a dedicated portal.
The J&K Media Policy 2020 authorises DIPR to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and unethical or anti-national activities, with powers to de-empanel media houses or withhold government advertisements. For entities registered under the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act 2023, the government can recommend de-registration to the Press Registrar General of India, it said.
On cyber security infrastructure, the Information Technology Department has implemented multi-layered measures including mandatory security audits for websites hosted on State Data Centre and NIC Mini Data Centre. Redundant websites have been systematically decommissioned or DNS de-mapped, the reply said.
Cyber security governance has been institutionalised through monthly review meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary, an Information Security Steering Committee under Secretary, IT Department, and nomination of Internal Security Officers across all departments, it added.
The legal framework governing social media platforms is primarily anchored in the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly Section 69A which empowers blocking of content in the interest of public order and national security, complemented by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the government informed the House.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 contains updated provisions including Section 194 criminalising hate speech, Section 195 penalising religious insult, Section 356 covering defamation, and Section 198 addressing spread of rumours and public mischief, all relevant to social media misuse, it said. (KNS)
