The Karnataka Government has decided to crack the whip on the rising menace of fake news and misinformation spreading across social media. Under the proposed Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, a six-member social media regulatory authority will have the power to restrict, block, and ban any content deemed to be false or misleading. The authority will play a key role in ensuring that fake news and harmful content cannot be promoted or distributed online.
The draft law recommends strict punishments including a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and up to seven years of imprisonment or both. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure that misinformation and dangerous narratives do not go unchecked, especially as social media increasingly shapes public discourse.
Role of the regulatory authority
This newly proposed authority will monitor all social media platforms to identify content that is not just fake or manipulated, but also insulting to women, disrespectful toward Sanatana Dharma or other faiths, or encouraging superstition and harmful practices. The authority will be responsible for ensuring that content posted online, especially on topics like science, history, religion, philosophy, and literature, meets stringent standards of authenticity and accuracy. Checks and guidelines will require that any material published on social media is verified for context, credibility, and correctness before it is shared widely.
Additionally, the proposed bill aims to create a more effective legal process for those who violate its provisions. To ensure faster accountability and adjudication, special courts will be set up in the state with the Karnataka High Court’s concurrence. Presiding sessions judges will oversee one or more districts, and will have the power to issue legally binding orders to intermediaries, publishers, and broadcasters.
Acquittal and accountability process
Individuals or companies accused of violations will have a 30-day window to respond to official notices. Failure to comply within this period could result in legal consequences that include simple imprisonment of up to two years and a daily fine of Rs 25,000, capped at a total of Rs 25 lakh.
In a significant step to enhance responsibility, company directors and on-ground employees present at the time of a breach may also be held personally liable if their organizations are found guilty. This aims to bolster accountability and encourage companies to maintain stricter internal compliance.
With these measures, Karnataka hopes to build a transparent and responsible digital ecosystem that safeguards public discourse and respects cultural and social harmony.