This State Govt Will Sue Newspapers, TV Channels Over ‘Baseless Reports’; Censorship For News Websites?

The state government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to take strict action against any media houses that publish stories that defame the government. 

Additionally, regarding the censoring of media, the Government of India has decided to put news portals under a scanner too.

In fact, the minister of information and broadcast is of the opinion that there should be some sort of a press council that will verify the facts and regulate the content that goes on these news portals. 

Find out all about the regulation of online content right here!

Andhra Pradesh State Government To Sue Media Houses For Defaming The Government

The state government of Andhra Pradesh has announced that media houses who broadcast content that defames the Government will be dragged to the court.

However, they have said that this action will be taken if they are found publishing content without any concrete evidence. Defamatory cases will be filed against all types of media, which includes print, electronic, digital and social media as well. 

Previously, rejoinders were being sent to the portals that published any negative news. As per an official, “Now, the cabinet decided to empower the departmental secretaries to file defamation cases against the media. They can take legal action within 24 hours against the organisation responsible for the news item after ascertaining the veracity of such stories.”

Apparently, the cabinet felt that some platforms are intentionally dragging the Government’s name through mud. 

Government Extends Internet Censorship To News Websites; Is A Press Council Necessary?

We all know about the recent storm kicked off the by the Government about censoring the online content found on Netflix, Hotstar, and other OTT channels. Recently, the Government has also thrown social media in the box of content to be regulated.

Now, the Government is planning to extend the censorship to the news portals of India, and is even thinking of setting up a regulatory body, such as the Press Council of India. 

The minister of information and broadcast, Prakash Javadekar said that the news portals are similar to online newspapers, with the exception of a press council. He said there should be a press council that will verify the content that will be published on the portals. 

Prakash Javadekar said, “They do fall under the IT Act, but have no government or self regulation. This happens nowhere in the world. Creators of films and documentaries on OTT platforms make all kinds of content, good, bad and obscene. These platforms have no censor board.”

Do you think this is a violation of the rights of the press? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below!