The Union government is likely to introduce a new law by which digital media in the country will be regulated and could face action for “violations”.
The bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming session. (Photo: PTI)
The Centre is likely to bring legislation by which digital media in the country will be regulated and could face action for “violations” under the Registration of Press and Periodicals Bill, sources said.
The new bill, if passed, is expected to replace the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, which regulates newspapers and printing presses in India. It is likely to be introduced in the Parliament session starting next week.
Under the new law, that proposes to bring digital media on par with newspapers, digital platforms will have to apply for registration, sources said. The new bill proposes to include “news on digital media through any electronic device”.
Currently, the Registrar of Newspapers, a statutory body of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regulates and monitors printing and publication of newspapers in the country.
Under the new law, digital publishers will need to register with the Press Registrar General, effectively bringing digital media under government regulation.
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