Code of Ethics for Digital News

Digital News Publishers Association: Code of Ethics Summary

Objective of the Code:

• Establish high ethical standards and practices in digital news publishing.
• Ensure editorial independence for publishers, while protecting Constitutionally protected freedoms, particularly Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression).

Key Components of the Code:

1. Legal Compliance:

   • Adherence to the Constitution of India and over 30 laws related to media, including provisions from the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

2. Journalistic Standards:

   • Commitment to accuracy, transparency, and fairness.
   • Mandatory pre-publication verification of news content to avoid defamation and misinformation.

3. Right of Reply:

   • Obligation to include comments from individuals or parties mentioned in news reports. Should updates be requested, they must be incorporated, with publication dates displayed.

4. Content Management:

   • Protocol for the correction or removal of false or inaccurate information upon request from concerned parties, including the entire deletion of erroneous articles.

5. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Respect for copyright laws, requiring prior permission for the use of protected material, including text and images.

6. Responsible Reporting:

   • Sensational reporting, particularly on crime and sensitive issues, must be factual and unbiased, maintaining the presumption of innocence.
   • Care in handling reports on sexual harassment, child abuse, and other sensitive matters must adhere to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

7. Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

   • Compliance with the grievance process laid out in the Information Technology Act, including the appointment of a grievance officer responsible for addressing complaints promptly (within 36 hours of receipt).

8. Training and Awareness:

   • Regular training programs for editorial staff on relevant laws such as the Right to Information Act, Copyright Act, and provisions regarding reporting on sensitive topics.
   • Special considerations on privacy when reporting cases involving minors and sensitive communal issues.
   • Ensuring accuracy in reporting judicial matters, with balanced coverage of victim and accused narratives.

Conclusion: The Code emphasizes responsible digital journalism aligned with legal frameworks, ethical standards, and sensitivity to the societal impact of news reporting.