Code of Ethics for Digital News Publishers
The Digital News Publishers Association voluntarily established guidelines for responsible reporting – protecting freedom while scrutinizing restrictions on sharing information.
These standards aim to ensure excellence and independence in online journalism. Publishers maintain complete control over content and perspective.
Basic principles include upholding publishing standards and safeguarding journalists’ autonomy. Websites comply with relevant laws, including the Constitution and IT Act, adhering to ethics and rigorously verifying accuracy before publication.
Multiple oversight layers exist – from individual codes to newsroom processes. Reporters and editors cross-check allegations and incorporate opposing stances to achieve fairness and transparency.
While defamation is prohibited, the public’s right to reply is protected through adding comments received. If a version differs from the initial report, it will feature equally to balance coverage.
Though self-regulating, members scrutinize all factors limiting the dissemination of current affairs. Freedom and integrity in gathering news remain top priorities alongside maintaining the highest professional conduct.
If any new developments arise in reported news, and the involved person or party requests an update, it must be appropriately incorporated. The date of modification should also feature in any revised news report.
Should information within an article prove to be false or inaccurate, the misreported section should be edited or deleted upon request from the involved party providing their identity and necessary documentation to rectify the record. If an entire news story is found to lack veracity, the whole piece must be withdrawn.
All intellectual property rights, whether in text, images, diagrams, or illustrations, demand respect. Prior permission is required to utilize copyrighted material, with attribution of ownership. Any mandated payment for usage must also be rendered. Third party trademarks and service marks may only be employed with advance approval or if considered fair use. In cases of alleged infringement, impacted content should be edited, removed, or taken down following receipt of a complaint accompanied by relevant documentation for review.
Care needs taken in reporting sensational or criminal matters to maintain the presumption of innocence. Speculation regarding evidence, witnesses, defendants, or victims must be avoided, restricting coverage to verified facts presented without bias. Special sensitivity is warranted for stories involving workplace harassment, child abuse, rape where the accused or victim are minors, domestic disputes, custody cases, adoption proceedings, and similar sensitive subjects.
Care was taken to thoughtfully consider Sections 67, 67A and 67B of the Information Technology Act of 2000 where applicable – which address penalties for broadcasting or transmitting obscene material, sexually graphic content and also depictions of children in sexually explicit acts, in digital form.
Addressing Concerns
Members—when intermediaries as defined under the Information Technology Act of 2000—follow the grievance redressal process as outlined therein and understand the responsibilities and safe harbor protections under Section 79 of the Act. Hence, as applicable, they adhere to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules of 2011 including appointing a contact person whose details are displayed on the website and who responds within 36 hours of a complaint by an affected individual and resolves the issue within one month from receipt.
Training and Awareness Initiatives
Periodic training and awareness programs are conducted with editorial staff regarding existing laws including the Constitution of India, the over 30 media-related laws like The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Copyright Act, Right to Information Act, applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code and CrPC, civil and criminal defamation, IPR, Juvenile justice, POCSO, relevant provisions relating to reporting on rape and molestation, harassment in the workplace, caste or gender related crimes, domestic violence, and more.
The names of victims and any identifying details of victims or perpetrators, if a juvenile or in the workplace, are strictly avoided.
Photographs revealing victims’ identities, homes, or places of work must be avoided at all costs to preserve privacy and prevent further trauma.
When covering communal or religious clashes, reporters must exercise the utmost care and caution. Such sensitive topics shall only be published following scrupulous fact-checking to verify accuracy. Stories must be presented with restraint to promote harmony between all groups. Maintaining an atmosphere of peace and amity is paramount.
Those documenting legal matters must receive comprehensive instruction on legislative protections and the proper reporting of court hearings and proceedings. Accused and complainant accounts should be included impartially, without editorializing or taking sides. Above all, impartiality and objectivity must be prioritized.
The dignity and well-being of private citizens, especially those removed from the public eye, deserves the highest respect. Their privacy must never be violated without consent.