Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 21: In a bold move to crack down on digital misinformation, the Karnataka government is preparing to introduce one of the most stringent laws in the country targeting fake news on social media.
Under the proposed Karnataka Fake News and Misinformation (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, individuals who are found guilty of intentionally or negligently spreading false information online could face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to Rs 10 lac, or both.
The draft bill was formally discussed in the state cabinet meeting held on June 19, chaired by law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil. It is expected to be presented in the forthcoming session of the Karnataka State Assembly. Once enacted, the law will apply to content disseminated across platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and others.
The proposed legislation defines fake news broadly, including the twisting or misrepresentation of statements, the publication of tampered audio or video, and the circulation of entirely fabricated or fictional narratives. Misinformation, as per the draft, refers to the dissemination of false or misleading claims either deliberately or through negligence.
If such content is found to impact public health, safety, communal harmony, or electoral integrity, offenders could face imprisonment ranging from two to five years along with monetary penalties. Individuals who aid in the spread of such content may also face up to two years of imprisonment.
To enforce the new legal framework, the government is planning to establish a Social Media Regulatory Authority. The authority will be chaired by the minister for Kannada and Culture, Information and Broadcasting and will include one MLA, one MLC, two representatives from social media platforms, and an IAS officer serving as secretary. The authority will be responsible for monitoring digital content, issuing directives, and coordinating enforcement actions.
In addition, special fast-track courts will be established with the approval of the Karnataka High Court to adjudicate fake news-related offences. These courts will be empowered to issue binding instructions to social media platforms and broadcasters.
If any platform fails to comply with the court’s orders, it could face up to two years in prison and daily fines of Rs 25,000, with a maximum penalty capped at Rs 25 lac.
The bill also places strict restrictions on content that disrespects women, insults religious symbols, or promotes superstition. Furthermore, it mandates that posts relating to science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature must be based on verified research or authoritative sources. This clause is intended to promote accurate, evidence-based discourse in the digital sphere.
While the government maintains that the bill is designed to encourage responsible sharing of content and protect public interest, it has sparked significant political backlash and concern among civil liberties groups.
The opposition BJP has strongly criticised the move, likening it to authoritarian measures from India’s emergency era. Free speech advocates argue that the bill’s vague definitions and broad scope could be misused to suppress dissent or target journalists, whistle-blowers, and activists.
As Karnataka edges closer to implementing this controversial legislation, the final shape of the bill and its enforcement mechanisms are expected to have far-reaching implications for digital expression, political discourse, and the fundamental right to freedom of speech across the state.