Digital News Publishers Ethical Code

Digital News Publishers Association Code of Ethics Summary

1. Constitutional References:

   • Commitment to Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
   • Code aligns with over 30 laws relating to media, including provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

2. Code Objectives:

   • Establish high standards and ethics in digital news publishing.
   • Ensure editorial and content independence of publishers.
   • Promote accuracy, transparency, and fairness in news reporting.

3. Key Precepts:

   • Legal Compliance: Adhere to applicable laws, ensuring responsible journalism.
   • Accuracy and Verification: Mandatory pre-publication verification to avoid misinformation. Defamation should be eschewed.
   • Right of Reply: Incorporate comments or versions from affected parties regarding allegations made in news reports.
   • Error Correction: Mechanism for editing or deleting reports found to be inaccurate upon verification by concerned parties.

4. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Respect copyrights and obtain permissions for use of copyrighted material.
   • Ensure acknowledgment of ownership rights. Use of trademarks should also follow legal protocols.

5. Reporting Sensitivity:

   • Presumption of Innocence: Maintain neutrality when reporting sensational matters or crimes.
   • Special Care in Sensitive Cases: Pay special attention to cases involving minors, sexual offences, communal disputes, and related sensitive topics, adhering to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act.

6. Grievance Redressal:

   • Follow the grievance redressal mechanism as per the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011.
   • Appoint grievance officers to address complaints promptly (within 36 hours acknowledgment and one month resolution).

7. Training and Awareness:

   • Conduct regular training for editorial staff on laws related to journalism, including, but not limited to:
     • The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act.
     • Copyright Act.
     • Right to Information Act.
     • Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).
   • Emphasize the importance of protecting identity in sensitive cases (e.g., minors, victims of sexual crimes).

8. Judicial Reporting:

   • Ensure accurate reporting of court hearings and judicial matters.
   • Maintain objectivity and respect privacy, especially concerning non-public figures.

9. Promotion of Communal Harmony:

   • Ensure that news coverage regarding communal or religious issues promotes peace and amity, involving strict verification of facts prior to publication.

This code reflects an advocacy for ethical practices in digital journalism, balancing the exercise of constitutionally mandated freedoms with responsible reporting and adherence to legal frameworks.