Digital News Publishers Ethics Code

Summary of the Digital News Publishers Association's Code of Ethics

Constitution and Legal Framework:

• The Code emphasizes adherence to Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to free speech and expression.
• Compliance with over 30 laws relevant to media, including provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000, is mandatory.

Key Ethical Principles:

1. Accuracy, Transparency, and Fairness:

   • Mandatory pre-publication verification and a strong commitment to avoid inaccurate, baseless, or distorted information.
   • Defamation must be strictly avoided.

2. Right of Reply:

   • Journalistic practices must incorporate responses from individuals or parties when allegations are reported, allowing updates on developments subsequently.

3. Content Integrity:

   • Mechanism for editing, deleting, or correcting false or inaccurate reports upon request from affected parties.

4. Intellectual Property Rights:

   • Respect for copyrights, requiring prior permissions for use of protected material. Fees must be paid if applicable and trademarks should not be used without permission.

5. Sensitive Reporting:

   • Special attention required while reporting cases of sexual harassment, child abuse, and communal disputes, with an emphasis on preserved presumption of innocence.

6. Judicial Matters:

   • Accurate reporting on court processes, ensuring versions from both victims and accused are included without unsolicited commentary.

7. Privacy Considerations:

   • Protect identities of victims, especially in sensitive cases. Include no identifying details or photographs of victims or juvenile offenders.

Grievance Mechanism:

• Adhering to guidelines outlined in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, including the appointment of a grievance officer.
• Complaints must be addressed within 36 hours, with resolutions provided within one month.

Training Initiatives:

• Conducting awareness programs for editorial staff about relevant laws like the Right to Information Act, representation of women, and handling of issues related to gender, caste-based crimes and privacy laws.

Conclusions:

• The Code aims to uphold high standards in digital news publishing while ensuring compliance with constitutional rights and legal frameworks.
• It reiterates the independence of members concerning editorial judgment while fostering responsibility and accountability in news reporting. This framework is essential for promoting ethical journalism and maintaining the integrity of news as a public service.