dnpa-code-of-ethics

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CODE OF ETHICS FOR DIGITAL NEWS WEBSITES

The Digital News Publishers Association has voluntarily developed a Code of Ethics to uphold responsible digital publishing and to ensure the protection of Constitutional freedoms, including Article 19(1)(a). This Code aims to maintain high standards of ethics in digital news publishing without interfering in the editorial independence of publishers.

1. Editorial Independence

  • The Code does not infringe on the day-to-day editorial decisions of publishers, who retain complete autonomy over their content.

2. Legal Compliance

  • Digital news websites must comply with all applicable laws, including the Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness

  • Avoid the publication of inaccurate, distorted, or baseless information. Pre-publication verification is mandatory.
  • Defamation should be avoided, and all content should be in line with applicable legal standards.

4. Right of Reply

  • Ensure that articles include the perspective of any person or party against whom allegations are made.
  • If a response is provided after publication, it must be updated accordingly, with the date of the update clearly noted.

5. Take Down, Delete, or Edit Mechanism

  • If content is found to be false or inaccurate, on being approached by the concerned party with valid documentation, the content should be corrected, edited, or deleted.
  • Entire articles that are inaccurate should be deleted when necessary.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

  • All copyrighted content, including text, images, and diagrams, must be used only with prior permission, and the original creator must be credited.
  • Trademarks and service marks should not be used without permission unless it constitutes fair use.

7. Ethical Reporting

  • Crime Reporting: Avoid speculation or comments on the conduct of witnesses, accused, victims, or evidence. Presumption of innocence must be upheld.
  • Sensitive Topics: Extra caution must be taken when reporting on sexual harassment, child abuse, crimes involving minors, matrimonial disputes, riots, and communal clashes.
  • Obscenity Laws: Adhere to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which prohibit the publishing of obscene or sexually explicit material.

8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

  • As intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000, members should provide an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
  • A Grievance Officer must be appointed and their contact details displayed on the website. Complaints must be addressed within 36 hours and resolved within a month.

9. Training and Awareness Programs

  • Conduct regular training for editorial teams on legal and ethical responsibilities, including laws such as:
    • The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act
    • Copyright Act
    • Right to Information Act
    • Juvenile Justice Act
    • POCSO Act
    • Indian Penal Code (IPC) and CrPC provisions relevant to media.

10. Privacy and Dignity

  • Strictly avoid revealing the identity of victims of crimes, especially in cases involving minors or workplace harassment.
  • Exercise caution when publishing photographs or details that may reveal the identity of victims or their families.

11. Reporting on Communal or Religious Issues

  • Special care should be taken when reporting on communal or religious disputes. Such reports should be fact-checked and presented with caution to maintain communal harmony and peace.

12. Judicial Reporting

  • Accurate reporting on court proceedings and judicial matters must be ensured. Reports should cover the perspectives of both victims and accused without bias or commentary.