BJP MP Manoj Kotak proposes 7 years' jail, Rs 10 lakh fine for fake news
BJP MP has moved a private member's bill for prohibition of fake news, which proposes imprisonment of up to seven years or fine of up to ₹10 lakh or both. At a time when there is a surge in fake news on social media, BJP MP Manoj Kotak, in his private member's bill titled 'Prohibition of Fake News on Social Media Bill, 2023', proposes to set up a social media regulatory authority comprising an MP each from both Houses of Parliament for prohibition of fake news.
It could be taken up for introduction during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. A private member's bill is moved by an MP in his personal capacity and has nothing to do with his party.
Since the first Lok Sabha in 1952, only 14 such bills have become laws, and none in nearly five decades. The authority is proposed to be chaired by the Union I&B minister, and will also comprise two representatives from social media platforms and an IAS officer as its secretary.
The draft resolution also proposes that this regulatory authority shall meet at least twice a month and ensure complete ban on promotion and spread of fake news on the social media platform. And if the authority finds «any social media user guilty of posting fake news on the social media platform, (he) shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to seven years and fine which may extend up to ₹10 lakh or with both», the bill proposes.
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