Karnataka Aims to Tackle Misinformation with Proposed Bill: Minister Clarifies
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Bengaluru: Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge has clarified that the proposed Misinformation Regulation Bill is not intended to restrict free speech or punish citizens. The draft aims to combat 'digital misinformation,' 'malicious fake news,' and other forms of false information that spread online. The Bill specifically excludes satire, parody, opinion, art, and dissent, ensuring that humor and creativity remain uncurtailed. The minister emphasized that the Bill will draw on existing laws, such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), to identify and curb false information within constitutional bounds. This move comes after the Union government's Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 were struck down by the Bombay high court last year. Kharge dismissed concerns of overreach and clarified that the leaked 11-page draft in June was fake and an instance of misinformation. The new Bill is expected to be tabled in the State Assembly session in Belgavi next month, following the Congress government's finalization of the draft. The minister emphasized that the Bill will undergo judicial scrutiny, ensuring that it respects the Constitution and individual rights.
