Karnataka Proposes Strict Anti-Misinformation Law to Combat Online Harms
Bengaluru, India – The Karnataka government is taking a decisive stance against the proliferation of misinformation and online harms with the proposed Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. This draft legislation, recently tabled before the state cabinet, aims to curb the spread of fake news, hate speech, misogyny, obscenity, and religious disrespect online through stringent penalties and a dedicated regulatory authority. If enacted, the law would be one of the strictest of its kind in India, reflecting the growing concern over the societal impact of online falsehoods.
The proposed bill outlines a range of offenses related to the creation and dissemination of misinformation, including misquoting individuals, publishing inaccurate reports, manipulating audio/video content to distort facts, and operating social media accounts under false identities for malicious purposes. Individuals found guilty of these offenses could face imprisonment for two to five years, with the possibility of seven-year sentences in severe cases. Substantial fines of up to ₹10 lakh are also stipulated, underscoring the seriousness with which the government views these offenses. Acts endangering public safety, disrupting elections, or targeting religious symbols and women’s dignity will be subject to particularly rigorous enforcement.
The bill’s introduction follows a series of high-profile incidents, including the tragic June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives, prompting the government to also consider legislation on crowd control and management. Alongside the misinformation bill, the cabinet discussed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crime Prevention Bill, 2025, and the Karnataka Crowd Control and Management of Mass Gatherings Bill, 2025. Another proposed bill, the Karnataka Rohith Vemula Bill, 2025, will be subject to further deliberation before being reintroduced in the next cabinet meeting. This multi-pronged legislative approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing a range of social issues impacting public order and safety.
The Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, establishes clear definitions of misinformation and fake news. Misinformation is characterized as "false or misleading factual statements made knowingly or recklessly," while fake news encompasses a broader range of deceptive practices, such as misquoting, manipulated multimedia content, and outright fabrication. Importantly, the bill includes exemptions for satire, opinions, and religious or philosophical discourse, provided they are not presented as factual claims. This nuanced approach seeks to balance the need to combat misinformation with the protection of freedom of expression.
To enforce the provisions of the act, the government plans to establish a dedicated Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. This authority will be chaired by the Minister for Kannada and Culture and Information and Broadcasting and will include representatives from the legislative assembly, legislative council, social media platforms, and the IAS. The inclusion of representatives from social media platforms is a notable aspect of the proposed structure, potentially facilitating collaboration between government and tech companies in addressing online misinformation. Specialized courts, presided over by sessions judges and staffed with dedicated public prosecutors, will be established to expedite the adjudication of cases related to misinformation. These courts will have the power to issue “Correction Directions” to counter false narratives and “Disabling Directions” to block access to offending content, providing a mechanism for swift and effective intervention.
The proposed legislation signifies a significant step towards regulating the online information ecosystem in Karnataka. While the bill’s effectiveness will depend on its implementation and enforcement, its stringent provisions send a clear message that the spread of misinformation will not be tolerated. The government’s move to create a dedicated regulatory body and specialized courts further demonstrates a commitment to tackling this complex issue. However, the bill’s introduction is also likely to spark debate about the balance between combating misinformation and protecting freedom of expression. As the bill moves towards legislative debate following anticipated cabinet approval, public discourse and scrutiny will play a crucial role in shaping its final form and long-term impact. The success of this legislation will hinge on its ability to effectively address the harms of misinformation while safeguarding fundamental rights and fostering a healthy online environment.
