• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: These rules, notified under the IT Act, 2000, impose due diligence obligations on intermediaries (social media platforms) to not host or share unlawful content. Failure to comply can lead to intermediaries losing their exemption from liability.
• Press Council of India (PCI): This statutory body provides guidelines for ethical journalism and can take action against media organizations that violate these guidelines.
• Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact-Check Unit: Established in 2019, this unit focuses on verifying news related to the government and countering misinformation.
• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB): The MIB issues advisories to media and social media platforms regarding the promotion of online betting and surrogate advertisements.
• Cyber Crime Cells and Social Media Monitoring Centers: Various cities have established cyber crime cells, and states like Tamil Nadu have formed special Social Media Monitoring Centres to investigate and curb the spread of fake news online.
• Draft Amendments to IT Rules: In October 2025, draft amendments were published proposing that social media users declare AI-generated or modified content. Platforms are also expected to adopt technology for verification.

• Section 153A: Punishes promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, etc., with up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both; applies to fake news inciting hatred.?
• Section 295A: Targets deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or fine.?
• Section 499/500: Covers defamation through false statements harming reputation; civil or criminal suits possible with up to 2 years imprisonment or fine.?
• Section 505: Penalizes statements, rumors causing public mischief, fear, or inciting offenses; up to 3 years imprisonment, fine, or both.?

• Section 66D: Addresses cheating by personation using computer resources, applicable to deceptive fake content; up to 3 years imprisonment and fine.?
• Section 69A: Allows government to block access to information threatening public order or security.?
• Section 79: Provides safe harbour for platforms if they remove flagged fake content by government-authorized fact-checkers like PIB unit.?

• Press Council of India (PCI) Norms: Restrain fake, defamatory, or misleading news in print; PCI can warn, admonish, or censure violators under Section 14.?
• IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2021 (amended): Platforms must remove PIB-flagged fake news or lose safe harbour protection.?

• Mandate fact-checking mechanisms and internal ombudsmen in all media organizations to oversee editorial content.?
• Amend laws for stricter penal provisions, including higher fines and accountability for spreading misinformation.?
• Define "fake news" clearly and integrate it into existing media regulations without infringing on freedom of speech.?

• Enhance Press Council of India (PCI) with a complaint portal and independent monitoring body.?
• Regulate AI-generated content through licensing for creators and mandatory labeling of deepfakes.?
• Establish certified fact-checking bodies with regular audits, drawing from global standards.?

• Require social media platforms to disclose algorithms, label AI content, and remove unlawful material within 36 hours.?
• Empower IT Rules 2021 and Section 69A for swift takedowns and intermediary accountability.?
• Leverage AI tools with human oversight for detection, integrated with multilingual support like BHASHINI.?

• Promote media literacy via school curricula, campaigns, and influencers targeting diverse populations.?
• Foster inter-ministerial coordination among MeitY, MIB, MHA for unified enforcement.?
• Utilize existing initiatives like PIB Fact Check Unit, I4C, and National Cyber Crime Portal for reporting.?

• Defining Fake News: Establishing a precise legal definition that balances curbing misinformation with protecting free expression is difficult.
• Balancing Freedom of Speech: Regulations must be carefully crafted to avoid censorship.
• Advanced Technology: The emergence of deepfakes and other synthetic media makes it harder to detect fake content.
• Social Media Accountability: Ensuring platforms take full responsibility for user-generated content is an ongoing challenge.
• Rapid Spread: Fake news disseminates much faster than corrections.
• Low Digital Literacy: A significant portion of the population still struggles to identify fake news.

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