Think Before You Post! This City Tightens Grip, Fake News Now a 7-Year Crime

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Karnataka government has drafted a stringent bill to curb the spread of misinformation on social media. Titled the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 it proposes imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to 10 lakh or both for individuals found guilty of spreading fake news online.

The draft bill is expected to be presented in the next state cabinet meeting. It includes a proposal to establish a "Regulatory Authority for Fake News on Social Media," comprising the Minister for Kannada and Culture, representatives from both houses of the state legislature, two members from social media platforms appointed by the government, and an IAS officer as Secretary.

The bill defines fake news as the distortion of facts through edited videos or audios, fabrication of content, or the misrepresentation of statements. It aims to ensure complete control over misinformation on internet platforms, marking a significant step towards regulating digital content in the state.