Frequently Asked Questions

These rules provide an institutional mechanism for online news portals and OTT platforms, empower the citizens, and protect children from potentially harmful content while upholding the freedom of speech and expression. The rules ensure sustainable and long-term development of the media and entertainment sector in India while providing recognition and opportunities for news media persons on digital media.

The rules apply to publishers of news and current affairs, publishers of online curated content (commonly called OTT platforms), and intermediaries.

An online paper, news portal, news aggregator, news agency, etc. are publishers of news and current affairs content. Other entities who perform similar functions such as these are also considered publishers. Note: Common users who post content on the internet, but not as a systematic business activity, are not covered in the definition.

The Code of Ethics includes:

• Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India.
• Programme Code under section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
• Content which is prohibited under any law for the time being in force shall not be published or transmitted.

No new law or regulation has been prescribed. The Code of Ethics for digital news publishers stipulates that they follow existing laws. It only places it in perspective that digital news follow the Norms of Journalistic Conduct (applicable to print) and Programme Code (applicable to TV), thereby creating a level playing field.

The rules establish a three-tier structure:

• Level I - Self-regulation by the publishers themselves.
• Level II - Self-regulation by the self-regulating bodies of the publishers (such as JMAGC).
• Level III - Oversight mechanism by the Central Government.

Every publisher shall establish a grievance redressal mechanism and appoint a Grievance Officer based in India for receiving and redressing grievances in a time-bound manner. The details must be displayed on their website, and the publisher should communicate the decision to the complainant within 15 days.

The self-regulating body shall perform the following functions:

• Ensure adherence to the Code of Ethics by the publisher.
• Address grievances which have not been resolved by publishers within fifteen days.
• Hear appeals filed by the complainant against the decision of publishers.
• Issue such guidance or advisories to publishers for ensuring compliance to the Code of Ethics.

Publishers and self-regulating bodies shall disclose all grievances received by them, the manner in which the grievances are disposed of, the action taken on the grievance, the reply sent to the complainant, etc. on a monthly compliance report basis.