NEW DELHI: The Editors Guild of India has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s urgent intervention in revoking the new rules for digital media, saying that the guidelines would be "adverse to the freedom of press" in the country.
In a letter dated 6 March addressed to the PM and union ministers Prakash Javadekar and Ravi Shankar Prasad, the association has urged the government to hold off on the implementation of the new rules till the Centre “consults all stakeholders” in the matter.
"We are conscious of the challenges posed by the digital age, and as such, we recognise the need for self-regulation of digital news media. However, we have grave concerns regarding the rules, which can fundamentally alter how news publishers operate over the Internet and undermine the freedom of the press in the country," the EGI wrote in the letter.
On 25 February, the Centre introduced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 that seek to regulate social media, OTT platforms, and digital news content for the first time. According to the new rules, digital news media and online video streaming services must adhere to the code of ethics under the rules which will be enforced by a three-tier regulatory mechanism.
However, the EGI has taken exception to the three-tier structure, stating that it allots "excessive powers" to government officials to block, modify and delete content.
“Various other provisions in these rules can place unreasonable restrictions on digital news media, and consequently media at large. These rules have been brought in without due consultation with the stakeholders and deepen the worry that freedom of press in India is being seriously compromised,” it added.
The guild also raised concerns that the absolute decision-making power conferred upon the executive through these new rules will inhibit digital news media and thereby press at large from fulfilling its obligations as the fourth estate.
Moreover, it cited the clause that anyone can file a grievance and the publisher will have to respond within 15 days of receiving it; compelling publishers to respond to each and every complainant within a period as short as 15 days is "onerous".
"This again will be adverse to press freedom. The rules should have been accompanied by a form containing the details which the complainant should be obligated to furnish, to lodge a complaint. As of now, the publishers may have to spend resources to respond to incomplete, ill-intentioned and even anonymous complaints," it said.
The association went on to claim that the new guidelines were announced and notified on the same day and the Union government did not consult any stakeholders, including EGI, in the drafting of the rules.
"The Guild urges the ministry to withdraw such an onerous and regressive regulatory mechanism, and to initiate consultations for putting in place a more equitable self-regulatory system," the letter read.
