Karnataka to Introduce Landmark Legislation Combatting Online Misinformation
Bengaluru, Karnataka – In a decisive move against the proliferation of fake news, the Karnataka government is poised to introduce groundbreaking legislation aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation on social media. The draft bill, titled the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, proposes stringent penalties for individuals found guilty of disseminating false information online. The proposed law comes amid growing concerns over the detrimental impact of digital misinformation on public discourse, democratic processes, and social harmony.
The bill, expected to be tabled before the next cabinet meeting, outlines severe repercussions for those who engage in the deliberate spread of false information. Individuals found guilty of sharing fake news that jeopardizes public health, safety, peace, or the integrity of elections could face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of ₹10 lakh, or both. Significantly, the legislation extends its reach beyond state borders, encompassing individuals residing outside Karnataka who target audiences within the state with malicious content. For spreading misinformation that disrupts public order or electoral processes, the bill mandates a minimum sentence of two years, extendable up to five years, accompanied by substantial monetary penalties. Furthermore, aiding or abetting the spread of such content could also result in imprisonment of up to two years.
To effectively enforce the proposed law, the Karnataka government plans to establish a dedicated regulatory body, the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. This authority will be chaired by the Minister for Kannada and Culture, and will include representation from both legislative houses – the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. Crucially, the Authority will also incorporate members representing social media companies, appointed by the state government, and a senior IAS officer serving as Secretary. This composition aims to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise in addressing the complex challenge of online misinformation.
The bill meticulously defines "misinformation" as any false or misleading factual claim made knowingly or with reckless disregard for its accuracy. Importantly, the legislation carves out specific exemptions for opinions, satire, parody, religious or philosophical expressions, and comedy, provided that an ordinary person would not interpret them as factual assertions. "Fake news," on the other hand, is defined as encompassing manipulated statements, misquoted content, edited videos or audio intended to distort reality, and entirely fabricated narratives.
Beyond tackling misinformation, the Authority will also oversee restrictions on content deemed abusive, obscene, or insulting to women. This includes posts deemed anti-feminist or those that undermine the dignity of women. The bill further proposes a ban on content that disrespects Sanatan beliefs and symbols or promotes superstition. These provisions are intended to address the growing concerns about online harassment and the spread of harmful content that targets specific groups or communities.
To ensure swift and efficient dispensation of justice in cases related to online misinformation, the draft bill proposes the establishment of specialized courts. These courts will be dedicated to trying offences under the new law, streamlining the legal process and expediting the resolution of such cases. The bill also calls for the appointment of specialized public prosecutors, ensuring adequate legal representation in these dedicated courts and at the High Court level.
The proposed Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, represents a significant step in the state’s efforts to regulate online spaces and combat the growing menace of misinformation. If passed, the law could serve as a model for other states grappling with the challenge of curbing the spread of fake news and protecting the integrity of public discourse in the digital age. The bill aims to strike a balance between protecting freedom of expression and safeguarding society from the harms of deliberately false and misleading information. Its implementation will require careful consideration of its potential impact on free speech and the need for transparency and accountability in the enforcement process. The inclusion of representatives from social media companies in the regulatory authority highlights the collaborative approach envisioned by the government in addressing this complex issue. The success of this legislation will ultimately depend on effective implementation, consistent enforcement, and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness in combating misinformation without unduly restricting legitimate online expression.