Overview

• The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology unanimously adopted the draft and submitted it to the Lok Sabha Speaker, with tabling expected in the next session.
• All print, digital and electronic outlets would be required to maintain fact-checking units and internal ombudsmen, with clear accountability for editors, publishers, intermediaries and platforms.
• The panel urged a legal definition of “fake news,” potential statutory powers for the PIB Fact Check Unit on government-related content, and creation of an independent central monitoring body and expert group to propose legal changes.
• Recommendations include exploring licensing for AI content creators, mandatory labels for AI-generated media, use of AI tools with human oversight, and a dedicated inter-ministerial task force with international cooperation drawing on models such as France’s election misinformation law.
• Members flagged concerns over Section 79 safe-harbour protections and algorithmic amplification of sensational content, and backed higher fines, stricter penalties for repeat offenders, a time-bound grievance portal, digital complaint tracking and media literacy in schools.