Karnataka Cabinet Proposes Legislation to Combat Misinformation and Fake News

In a significant move to combat digital misinformation, the Karnataka Cabinet has proposed new legislation that would prohibit the spread of fake news across the state. The Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, was introduced during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting and is expected to be tabled for further discussion at the next session.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil announced the proposal, which represents one of the first comprehensive state-level attempts in India to regulate misinformation in the digital space.

According to the draft legislation, “fake news” will encompass a wide range of digital content manipulation, including misquotes, false reporting of statements, and edited audio or video clips that distort facts or remove context. The bill specifically targets individuals and groups who use social media platforms to disseminate such content.

The definition extends to cover both organized and unorganized entities, whether operating under verified accounts or using pseudonyms and fictitious identities. This broad scope aims to address the increasingly sophisticated methods used to spread misinformation in the digital age.

To enforce the proposed law, the state government plans to establish a dedicated regulatory body—the Fake News on Social Media Regulatory Authority. This oversight committee would be chaired by the minister for Kannada and Culture, Information and Broadcasting, who would serve as an ex-officio chairperson.

The authority’s composition would include representation from both houses of the Karnataka legislature, with one member each from the Karnataka Assembly and Council, nominated by their respective presiding officers. Additionally, two representatives from social media platforms would be appointed by the state government, with an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as secretary.

The proposed legislation comes at a time when digital misinformation has become a growing concern across India. Social media platforms have faced increased scrutiny for their role in amplifying false information that can lead to real-world consequences, including communal tensions and public safety concerns.

Karnataka, home to India’s tech capital Bengaluru, has particular significance in this regulatory landscape given its position as a hub for many technology companies and startups. The state’s approach to regulating digital content could potentially influence similar legislation in other parts of the country.

Media experts and digital rights advocates will likely watch the bill’s progress closely, as it raises important questions about the balance between combating harmful misinformation and protecting free speech. Previous attempts to regulate online content in India have often sparked debates about potential overreach and concerns about stifling legitimate expression.

The bill’s introduction also coincides with global discussions about the responsibility of social media platforms in moderating content. Many countries are exploring regulatory frameworks that would hold technology companies more accountable for the content shared on their platforms.

How the state plans to implement and enforce such regulations remains to be seen, particularly given the challenges of content moderation at scale and the borderless nature of digital information.

The Karnataka government has indicated that the bill aims for “complete prohibition” of fake news on social media platforms, though specifics about penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and appeals processes have not yet been fully detailed in the available information.

The bill is expected to undergo further review and possible amendments before potentially becoming law. If enacted, it would represent one of the most direct legislative attempts by an Indian state government to address the complex challenge of digital misinformation.