Karnataka Unveils Groundbreaking Legislation to Combat the Menace of Fake News and Misinformation
Bengaluru, Karnataka – In a landmark move aimed at curbing the escalating spread of fake news and misinformation, the Karnataka government has introduced the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. This ambitious legislation proposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, for those found guilty of disseminating false information online. The bill, currently in its draft stage, reflects a growing national and global concern over the detrimental impact of misinformation on society, democracy, and individual well-being. The Karnataka government’s proactive approach seeks to establish a robust legal framework to combat this digital-age challenge, potentially setting a precedent for other states and even national-level legislation.
The proposed bill introduces a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue. It prescribes a prison term of up to seven years and fines up to ₹10 lakh for those convicted of spreading fake news. For the dissemination of misinformation, penalties range from two to five years imprisonment and accompanying fines. Significantly, these offences are categorized as cognisable and non-bailable, demonstrating the government’s commitment to treating these violations with the utmost seriousness. This classification allows law enforcement agencies to arrest individuals without a warrant and restricts immediate access to bail, reflecting the perceived gravity of these offences. This strong stance signals the government’s resolve to tackle the issue head-on and deter the propagation of false information.
Central to the bill’s framework is the establishment of a six-member social media regulatory authority. This body will be vested with extensive powers to monitor and control online content, including the ability to ban the promotion and spread of fake news. Furthermore, the authority will have the jurisdiction to prohibit content deemed insulting to women and restrict material that disrespects Sanatana Dharma, its symbols, and beliefs, or promotes superstition. The inclusion of these provisions reflects a broader societal concern for protecting vulnerable groups and preserving cultural and religious sensitivities in the digital sphere. The authority will also play a crucial role in ensuring that content related to sensitive topics like science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature, disseminated on social media platforms, is based on credible research and authentic sources.
To ensure swift and effective enforcement of the law, the bill proposes the creation of specialized courts. With the concurrence of the Karnataka High Court, these special courts, presided over by sessions judges, will have jurisdiction over one or more districts. These courts will be empowered to issue directives to intermediaries, publishers, broadcasters, and any entity controlling communication mediums that disseminate misinformation within Karnataka. Non-compliance with these directives could result in a simple imprisonment term of up to two years and fines of ₹25,000 per day, up to a maximum of ₹25 lakh. The establishment of dedicated courts underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing these cases and ensuring timely resolution.
The draft legislation also incorporates provisions for aggrieved parties. Individuals or organizations affected by misinformation will have 30 days to respond to official notices. In cases involving companies, the bill stipulates that action can be taken not only against the organization itself but also against directors and employees present during the violation. This extension of liability to individuals within corporate structures aims to ensure accountability and prevent companies from shielding culpable individuals behind corporate veils. This provision is particularly significant in holding individuals responsible for their actions within the corporate context.
The Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, represents a significant step towards tackling the complex challenge of misinformation in the digital age. By introducing a dedicated regulatory authority, specialized courts, and stringent penalties, the Karnataka government aims to create a robust and comprehensive legal framework to combat fake news and its detrimental consequences. This proactive approach could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. While the bill is still in its draft stage, its provisions have generated significant discussion and debate, highlighting the complexities of regulating online content while preserving freedom of speech and expression. The government’s intent, however, is clear: to establish a precedent for safeguarding public discourse and upholding the integrity of information shared online. The effectiveness of this legislation will depend on its implementation, and its impact on the spread of misinformation will be closely watched by other states and stakeholders concerned with this pervasive issue.
