Srinagar, Oct 1: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced that it will soon introduce the New Media Policy 2026, which will include provisions for the registration and regulation of online news media platforms to ensure accountability and address concerns related to misinformation and unregulated digital news operations.
According to details available with The Chenab Times, the announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on behalf of the Minister In-Charge of the Information Department while responding to a question raised by MLA Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri. The government said the issue was discussed extensively during the Budget Session 2026, where legislators from various political parties expressed concern over the spread of misleading and false information through unregistered digital and social media news channels.
The minister informed the House that the proposed policy would cover both print and online media and incorporate provisions for the registration and regulation of digital news platforms. She said the move is aimed at establishing accountability mechanisms for online news operations and addressing concerns related to misinformation.
The government also stated that, following directions issued during a meeting of the House Committee on Government Assurances headed by legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar, the Information Department has been directed to frame comprehensive guidelines and standard operating procedures. These guidelines would require district administrations to maintain detailed records of unregistered social media news handles operating within their jurisdictions and initiate action under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, wherever applicable.
The minister said existing laws already contain provisions to address misinformation, fake news and provocative content circulated through social media platforms. She added that the J&K Home Department has established the J&K Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (JK4C) under the supervision of the Director General of Police to coordinate efforts related to the prevention, detection and investigation of cybercrimes across the Union Territory.
During the discussion, the government informed the Assembly that the Social Media Cell of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) regularly monitors content appearing in print, electronic and social media. According to the minister, whenever content is found to be fake or misleading, rebuttals are issued through official social media channels, published in newspapers and uploaded to the department’s official website.
The proposed policy will also empower DIPR to monitor content related to fake news, plagiarism and alleged unethical practices. The government said provisions have been proposed for the de-empanelment of media entities or the withholding of government advertisements in cases where violations are established. In cases involving publications registered under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, recommendations for deregistration may also be made in accordance with the law.
Several legislators, including Altaf Ahmad Wani, Tanvir Sadiq, Saifuddin Bhat, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, R.S. Pathania, Nizamuddin Bhat, Pawan Gupta and Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, participated in the discussion through supplementary questions. Some members called for stronger regulation of unregistered digital platforms, while others emphasized the need to balance accountability with freedom of expression.
The government indicated that the policy and related guidelines are expected to be finalized in the coming months as part of a broader framework aimed at regulating the rapidly expanding digital media sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
