Manipur government issues strict advisory for media

The Manipur government's Home Department has issued an advisory for print, electronic, digital, and social media in view of the ongoing tension and law and order situation in the state. The primary objective of this advisory is to prevent the spread of misleading news and maintain communal harmony.

The administration has warned of legal action in case of non-compliance with these guidelines. These orders were issued by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar late on Monday. The state government, citing the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, emphasized the legal responsibilities of digital publishers to prevent the spread of illegal and misleading information.

All digital platforms and intermediaries must exercise utmost caution while publishing or broadcasting content. The advisory stated that they must ensure that false, misleading, or unverified information, particularly rumors related to law and order, do not circulate.

Platforms are prohibited from publishing or promoting content from banned or unauthorized organizations, including calls for bandhs, threats, or activities that spread unrest. In case such content is found, immediate action must be taken to remove or block access to it. Digital publishers must prevent the publication of misleading information, deepfakes, and altered content.

It also directed platforms to implement rules to identify and label fake or altered content in accordance with emerging laws. For news publishers, adherence to the code of ethics under the Information Technology Rules, 2021, is mandatory to ensure accuracy, impartiality, and responsible reporting.

This advisory prohibits defamatory or willfully false content and appeals for respect for the country's sovereignty, integrity, and public order. Media organizations have been directed to avoid publishing sensational, provocative, or inflammatory content that may spark violence or disrupt communal harmony.

Headlines, thumbnails, and captions must be responsible and not misleading. The government has directed all media organizations to strictly follow these guidelines and the principles laid down by the 'Press Council of India'. The government has warned that legal action will be taken under applicable laws in case of any violation of these rules.