Code of Ethics for Digital Publishers

Summary of the Digital News Publishers Association Code of Ethics

Commitment to Responsible Digital Publishing

• Constitutional Reference: Upholds Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.

Framework of the Code

1. Compliance with Laws: Adherence to over 30 laws related to media, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indian Penal Code, and Code of Criminal Procedure.

2. Ethical Standards: Emphasis on accuracy, transparency, fairness, and non-publication of distorted material. Pre-publication verification is mandatory, and defamation must be avoided.

3. Right of Reply:

   • Incorporation of responses from individuals or parties regarding allegations made.
   • Updates to reports to be reflected appropriately.

4. Content Management:

   • Mechanism for taking down or editing content found to be false or inaccurate.
   • Deletion of the entire article if deemed necessary.

5. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Respect for copyright and trademarks with prior permission required for use.
   • Procedures to remove infringing content upon request.

6. Reporting Sensational Matters:

   • Maintains presumption of innocence and avoids speculation.
   • Fact-based reporting required, especially in sensitive circumstances.

7. Special Care in Reporting:

   • Focus on sensitive matters like sexual harassment, child abuse, and riots.
   • Compliance with Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, dealing with obscene material.

8. Grievance Redressal:

   • Compliance with grievance mechanisms under the IT Act, 2000.
   • Appointment of a grievance officer to address complaints within a structured timeline (complaints acknowledged within 36 hours; resolved within one month).

9. Training Programs:

   • Ongoing training for journalists on legal compliance related to media laws (e.g., The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Right to Information Act, and POCSO).
   • Specific focus on victim anonymity, communal harmony, and proper judicial reporting.

Key Ethical Guidelines

• Avoid revealing identities or details of minors or victims in sensitive matters.
• Careful reporting on communal disputes to promote public peace.
• Respect for privacy and accuracy in all reporting, ensuring a balance of perspectives, especially in contentious issues.

Conclusion

The Code serves as a self-regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the integrity and professionalism of digital news publishing while safeguarding constitutional rights. It reflects a proactive approach to ethical journalism and responsibility towards society at large.