New Delhi, Dec 8 – The new Information Technology rules provide for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism relating to violation of the code of ethics, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur announced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021) under the Information Technology Act, 2000 among other things provides for adherence to the Code of Ethics laid down under the rules by publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content (OTT Platforms).
Under the rules, there is three-tier mechanism for grievance redressal relating to violation of the Code of Ethics by publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and OTT platforms.
In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Thakur said Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has, since December 2021, issued directions for blocking from public access 122 YouTube-based news channels for carrying content violative of the IT Act, 2000 in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to the above.
Thakur replied that for electronic media, all private satellite television channels are among other things required to adhere to the Programme Code laid down under the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 with respect to content broadcast by them.
The Act also provides for a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for addressing grievances relating to the violation of the Codes by the TV channels. Appropriate action is taken where violation of the Codes is found.
