Karnataka's IT Minister says 'fact-checking unit' not meant to impinge on press freedom
Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said his government's initiatives to curb spread of fake news was not an attempt to impinge upon the press freedom.
The minister's statement came in response to a statement from the Editors Guild of India which expressed concern about some aspects of Karnataka govt’s decision to set up a ‘fact-checking unit’ to monitor ‘fake news’.
“We urge all govts to ensure such units are independent of executive control and their scope and powers are specified so as to not trample upon press freedom," it said.
The Guild also urged the Karnataka government to clearly specify the scope of and powers of the proposed fact-checking unit, as well as the governing mechanism under which it will operate.
It also sought consultation exercises with press organisations for developing the framework.
Kharge said the online realm faced a challenge of misinformation and fake news, necessitating the implementation of measures to address this issue.
«I wish to reassure the esteemed organization that our fact-check unit will uphold an apolitical stance, devoid of bias and will transparently explain the methodologies employed to the public. Furthermore, we are in the process of establishing independent bodies that will be enlisted to assist us in combating fake news and misinformation,» he said.
He sought to assure that the new Congress regime adhered to the principles of Basavanna and BR Ambedkar.
