Synopsis The government has invited comments on a proposal to remove any online content, which PIB Fact Check agency or any other authorised agency by the government object to the content posted online as fake, false or misleading. Content red-flagged by PIB Fact Check or government authorised agency under the draft IT rules will not be applicable on TV news channels unless the information is posted on an online platform, Minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said. Responding to a PTI question, Chandrasekhar said the IT rules are limited to online platforms only. "It will not be applicable on TV unless the content is posted on any online platform. The IT rules are limited to online intermediaries only," the minister said. The government has invited comments on a proposal to remove any online content, which PIB Fact Check agency or any other authorised agency by the government object to the content posted online as fake, false or misleading. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will next month hold discussions with stakeholders before the proposal is implemented. The minister said the Meity will invite the Editors Guild and other stakeholders for the consultation. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories The ministry last week released a modification to the draft Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which it had previously released for public consultation. The rules are partly executed by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as well. Under the proposed amendment, the due diligence by intermediaries shall include making such efforts to not upload, publish, transmit or share information identified as fake or false by the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau , which takes cognizance of fake information both suo motu and by way of queries sent by citizens on its portal or through e-mail and WhatsApp and responds with correct information when the same pertains to the government. The Editors Guild of India has objected to the proposal and written to Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging him to "expunge" the amendments to the IT Rules that seek to direct social media platforms to take down news or information identified as "fake" by the PIB's Fact Checking Unit. In a letter to Vaishnaw, the Guild asked the ministry to initiate consultations with press bodies, media organisations and other stakeholders on the regulatory framework for digital media so as to not undermine press freedom. The Guild said it was "deeply concerned" by the proposed amendment giving sweeping powers to the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The determination of fake news cannot be in the sole hands of the government and will result in the censorship of the press, the Guild said in a statement here, voicing "deep concern" over the draft amendment to the Information Technology (IT) Rules. Don’t miss out on ET Prime stories! Get your daily dose of business updates on WhatsApp. click here! Thursday, 26 Jan, 2023 Experience Your Economic Times Newspaper, The Digital Way! Read Complete Print Edition » Front Page Pure Politics Companies Economy More Adani Raises ₹5,985 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of FPO Adani Enterprises raised ₹5,985 crore from anchor investors including global funds, sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East and domestic insurers ahead of the start of its ₹20,000 crore follow-on public offer on January 27. Accel, Tiger may Exit Flipkart in $1. 5B Share Sale Two of the early backers of Flipkart — venture fund Accel Partners and New York-based investment firm Tiger Global are in talks to sell their remaining stake in the ecommerce company — which collectively amounts to about 5% — to its parent Walmart, multiple people aware of the matter told ET. ED Against Plan to Decriminalise PMLA Provisions The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has opposed the move to decriminalise provisions in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), warning that this will curtail the agency’s powers and impede its working. Read More News on pib fact check pib rajeev chandrasekhar press information bureau editors guild of india Stay on top of technology and startup news that matters. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest and must-read tech news, delivered straight to your inbox. . . . more less ETPrime stories of the day Real Estate Interest rates are rising, so are rental yields. Is it the right time to invest in property? 8 mins read 3 insights to kick-start your day, featuring Swiggy’s “poor judgement” 3 mins read Strategy Stock Radar: Technical charts suggest HDFC Bank is likely to hit fresh record highs in next 3-6 months; time to buy? 3 mins read Subscribe to ETPrime.