Caution... A new bill is ready to curb fake news in Karnataka, a proposal for seven years imprisonment if found guilty

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Karnataka government has prepared a new bill to curb misinformation. It provides for strict punishment for internet media users for posting fake news.

Those who spread fake news on social media will be reined in

If an internet media user is found guilty of spreading fake news, he or she can be punished with a jail term up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh or both.

The draft will be placed before the cabinet in the next meeting

The draft Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 is likely to be tabled before the cabinet in its next meeting. According to the draft bill, the state government will ensure a complete ban on fake news on internet media platforms.

Misinformation is harmful to public safety and fair elections

Any person, whether inside or outside Karnataka, who gives false information to the people of the State, which is prejudicial to public health, public safety, public peace or the conduct of free and fair election, shall be punishable with imprisonment and also fine.

The state government will now ban fake news

According to the draft bill, the state government will put a complete stop on fake news on social media platforms. It has a provision for the government to constitute a "regulatory authority for fake news on social media" to fulfill the objective of this proposed law.

The Authority shall consist of the following - Minister for Kannada and Culture, Information and Broadcasting, ex-officio Chairperson, one member each from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Karnataka Legislative Council, two representatives from social media platforms to be appointed as members by the State Government in the prescribed manner and an IAS officer who shall be the Secretary of the Authority.

This is how it will be considered fake news

Fake news is defined as the misinterpretation of someone's statement or the combination of false and/or inaccurate reports, editing of audio or video resulting in distortion of facts and/or context, or completely fabricated content.

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