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Jammu and Kashmir authorities have addressed 28 instances of fake or misleading news over a ten-month period through their media monitoring system, according to information shared with the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The administration, however, noted that it lacks the authority to regulate websites, digital platforms, or private fact-checking organizations.
In response to a question posed by legislator R.S. Pathania, the Information Department revealed that a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell operates within the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) to track misinformation in real-time.
“Twenty rebuttals have been issued through Press Releases and eight through social media handles of the DIPR, J&K from April 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026,” the department stated in its written reply. This systematic approach reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of false information across the region.
The Information Department clarified that regulation of digital media platforms, including online news channels and private fact-checking units, falls outside its jurisdiction. “As of now, the Information Department does not verify, grade or audit private Fact Check Units,” the reply noted, adding that it neither recognizes nor authorizes any private fact-checking entities.
To address this regulatory gap, the administration has proposed a framework for new and social media in the draft New Media Policy-2026. This policy is currently undergoing inter-departmental consultation before finalization, signaling a potential shift in how digital content is monitored in the union territory.
The department also addressed questions about punitive measures, confirming that imposing fines on organizations spreading fake news exceeds its authority. This limitation highlights the complex challenges facing government bodies attempting to curtail misinformation in the digital age.
To enhance departmental vigilance, all government departments have appointed Nodal Officers responsible for monitoring sector-specific misinformation. These officials have been granted access credentials to upload rebuttals on a dedicated portal, creating a decentralized approach to countering false information.
The existing J&K Media Policy 2020 does provide some oversight mechanisms. It empowers the DIPR to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and “unethical or anti-national activities.” Under this framework, the department can de-empanel media organizations or withhold government advertisements as disciplinary measures. For entities registered under the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act 2023, the administration can recommend de-registration to the Press Registrar General of India.
The response also outlined the territory’s cyber security infrastructure, managed by the Information Technology Department. This includes multi-layered protective measures such as mandatory security audits for websites hosted on the State Data Centre and NIC Mini Data Centre. Officials have also worked to decommission redundant websites or remove their DNS mappings to reduce potential vulnerabilities.
Cyber security governance in Jammu and Kashmir follows a structured approach, with monthly review meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary and an Information Security Steering Committee led by the Secretary of the IT Department. Each department has nominated Internal Security Officers to strengthen this framework.
The legal foundation for social media regulation primarily rests on the Information Technology Act of 2000, particularly Section 69A, which permits content blocking when necessary for public order and national security. This is supplemented by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules implemented in 2021.
The recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, provides additional legal tools to address social media misuse. These include Section 194 criminalizing hate speech, Section 195 penalizing religious insult, Section 356 covering defamation, and Section 198 addressing the spread of rumors and public mischief.
This comprehensive approach reflects the administration’s attempts to balance information integrity with the rapidly evolving digital media landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.
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12 Comments
While the government’s media monitoring system appears effective, the lack of authority to regulate digital platforms and private fact-checkers is concerning. Addressing misinformation requires a comprehensive approach that balances transparency and accountability.
The government’s efforts to address misinformation are commendable, but the inability to regulate digital media and private fact-checking organizations is a concern. Combating the spread of false information requires a multi-pronged approach that includes both public and private stakeholders.
This highlights the challenges governments face in controlling the spread of misinformation in the digital age. Robust fact-checking and media monitoring are important, but regulatory power over online platforms and private entities remains a crucial issue.
This is an interesting case study on the challenges governments face in regulating the digital media ecosystem. Systematic monitoring and correcting of false narratives is crucial, but the lack of oversight over online platforms and private fact-checking entities is a significant limitation.
This is an interesting case of the government actively monitoring and refuting false news reports. It’s important for authorities to be vigilant and address misinformation, but the lack of regulatory power over digital platforms and fact-checkers is a limitation.
Kudos to the Jammu and Kashmir government for their proactive approach to refuting false news reports. However, the regulatory challenges around digital media and fact-checkers underline the complexities in tackling misinformation in the modern information landscape.
While the government’s media monitoring and rebuttal system is a positive step, the regulatory limitations around digital platforms and private fact-checkers highlight the complexities in addressing misinformation. A comprehensive, collaborative approach is needed to ensure the integrity of information.
While the government’s media monitoring system is a step in the right direction, the inability to oversee private fact-checking entities is a limitation that needs to be addressed. Combating the spread of false information requires a comprehensive strategy that includes regulatory frameworks.
Tracking and correcting false narratives in real-time is a commendable effort by the Jammu and Kashmir government. However, the inability to oversee private fact-checking entities highlights the challenges in regulating the spread of misinformation in the digital age.
That’s a fair point. Regulating online content and fact-checking is a complex issue that governments worldwide are grappling with.
It’s good to see the Jammu and Kashmir government taking proactive steps to counter false news reports. However, the inability to oversee private fact-checking entities is a significant limitation that needs to be addressed to ensure the integrity of information.
The government’s efforts to address fake news are commendable, but the lack of authority to regulate digital media and fact-checking organizations is a concerning gap. Mitigating the impact of misinformation requires a multi-stakeholder approach.