Code of Ethics for Digital News Publishing

Code of Ethics for Digital News Publishing: The fundamental principles of this Code of Ethics are to uphold the standards of digital publishing and to safeguard the independence of journalists, content creators, and publishers.

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has voluntarily formulated this Code of Ethics for its members. This reflects their commitment to responsible digital publishing while simultaneously protecting the rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) and other Constitutionally mandated freedoms. The DNPA continuously monitors and reviews any developments that may restrict the free gathering and dissemination of news, current affairs, or other content.

This Code is intended to set high standards of ethics and best practices in digital news publishing. It is not designed to interfere with the editorial autonomy or day-to-day operations of individual publishers, who retain full independence.

Core Principles

1. Compliance with Laws
   Digital news platforms adhere to the Constitution of India, more than 30 media-related laws, relevant provisions of the IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, wherever applicable.

2. Commitment to Ethical Journalism
   Members diligently follow established norms of journalistic ethics, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct. Self-regulation at multiple levels — including internal editorial guidelines and rigorous newsroom practices — is emphasized.

3. Accuracy, Transparency, and Fairness

   • Avoid publishing inaccurate, baseless, or distorted material.

   • Mandatory verification before publication.

   • Avoid defamation and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

4. Right of Reply

   • News articles must include the views or responses of individuals or parties against whom allegations are made.

   • If a response is received later or developments occur, updates must be incorporated promptly, clearly mentioning the date of the update.

5. Correction, Editing, or Takedown

   • If false or inaccurate information is identified and verified with necessary documentation, the erroneous part should be corrected or removed.

   • If an entire article is found to be false, it must be taken down in full.

6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

   • Copyrights on text, photos, diagrams, and other materials must be honored.

   • Prior permission and proper acknowledgment are mandatory.

   • Payment of royalty/fees, where applicable, must be ensured.

   • Use of third-party trademarks and service marks requires permission unless covered under fair use.

   • Upon legitimate complaints of infringement, necessary corrections or takedowns must be made.

7. Responsible Crime Reporting

   • Maintain the presumption of innocence.

   • Avoid commentary or speculation on evidence, witnesses, accused, or victims.

   • Ensure fact-based, unbiased reporting.

8. Sensitive Reporting

   • Exercise special caution while covering cases of sexual harassment, child abuse, rape (especially involving minors), matrimonial disputes, custody battles, riots, and communal clashes.

   • Comply with Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which prohibit the publishing or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit material involving adults or children.

9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

   • Members acting as intermediaries under the IT Act, 2000, comply with grievance redressal procedures, including the appointment of a Grievance Officer.

   • The officer’s contact details must be displayed on the website.

   • Complaints must be acknowledged within 36 hours and resolved within one month.

10. Training and Awareness

    • Regular training sessions are to be conducted to educate editorial teams about media laws including:

      • The Constitution of India

      • The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act

      • Copyright Act

      • Right to Information Act

      • IPC and CrPC provisions

      • Civil and criminal defamation

      • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

      • Juvenile Justice laws

      • POCSO Act

      • Reporting on rape, molestation, harassment at the workplace, caste or gender-based crimes, and domestic violence.

    • Names and identifying details of victims, especially minors or victims in workplace harassment cases, must not be disclosed.

    • Photographs of victims, their residences, and workplaces should not be published.

    • Extra caution must be observed when reporting on communal or religious issues. Facts must be thoroughly verified, and reporting must be balanced to promote communal harmony and peace.

    • Judicial reporting must be accurate and respect court procedures and legislative privileges. Ensure that both victim and accused versions are reported without commentary.

    • Respect the privacy of individuals not in public life.