Karnataka Fake News Prohibition Bill 2025: In a significant move to regulate online content, the Karnataka government has introduced a new bill. With the object of preventing fake news and banning online content aimed at feminism or Sanatan Dharma symbols. The new legislation is being formulated as an attempt to maintain social harmony, protect religious beliefs, and promote responsible online behavior.
The bill has some significant points:
Closing Down Fake News: It suggests drastic punishment for those or sites spreading fake news on the internet. Especially content which is proven to incite violence or panic.
Ban on Anti-Feminist Content: Posts, videos, or articles that could be deemed against equality for gender and women’s rights can be taken down.
Protection of Sanatan Symbols: Any such material found online that mocks, belittles, or distorts Sanatan Dharma or its practice and symbols will be taken down and subject to legal action.
Following reports, sources suggest the bill envisages a mechanism wherein the culprits can be handled:
Up to ₹5 lakh fines
Up to 3 years’ imprisonment
Compelled removal of content within 24–48 hours, after being reported by the specified authority
Also, all social media platforms will need to appoint grievance officers to deal with public complaints and government directives.
Supporters of the measure believe this offers needed protection from the growing level of online abuse. And misinformation that has found many expressions in the “real” world. The bill will protect Indian cultural values, protect a person’s dignity in public, and ensure factual reporting they said.
Also Read: Karnataka New Crowd Control Law: Jail Time, Heavy Fines and More
Critics are warning against abuse. Concerns were what the definitions would be for both “anti-women”, or “against Sanatan Dharma” in the measure, and that free speech would be curtailed in the name of protecting culture.
As Karnataka continues to debate the bill, it will face the balancing act of protecting cultural sensitivities on one side. And protecting democratic freedom on the other. Important stakeholders in society like lawyers, civil rights activists, and technology companies are paying attention, since the bill could potentially create a model for other states to adopt.
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