Nowadays news apps are more useful than other media in informing current affairs more faster than other media. With an exponential growth in the number and reach of smartphones, the Narendra Modi government has decided to formulate a policy on regulation of news applications sector. Currently, there is no legislation or ministry that deals directly with the issue.
It is understood that top ministries of the Narendra Modi government are currently undertaking consultation for streamlining the anomaly in the government norms. Sources stated that the Union information and broadcasting ministry, information and technology ministry and law ministry are in consultation to formulate regulations for the sector.
The need for a regulatory framework to set norms for the news apps was felt due to the sensitive nature of the information being shared with millions of smartphone users without any established norms, self-regulatory or otherwise. With the number of smartphone users in India set to cross the 300 million mark, the issue is being treated as the top priority by the government.
Sources pointed out that the print and electronic media, as well as the web media, are guided by regulations established by the government in consultation with industry.
However, there is no such provision for smartphone news app users and this could end up creating trouble. “If a fake or false news is updated in such applications the government currently does not have a specialized law to deal with and prosecute such instances,” sources added.
Sources stated that the government is also likely to seek consultation with industry and other stakeholders to evolve a consensus on the issue at the earliest.
There was also a feeling in the government that it has already been late in making such arrangement for the and such norms should be established as soon as possible.
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