Proposed J&K media policy to regulate online news platforms
The proposed framework includes guidelines and standard operating procedures for dealing with unregistered social media news channels.
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Published: Oct 1, 2026 12:26 PM | 2 min read
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- The Jammu and Kashmir government is developing a New Media Policy, 2026, aimed at regulating online news platforms and ensuring accountability for false information disseminated through digital channels.
- The Information Department has been given four months by a House Committee to prepare the policy, which will include guidelines for unregistered social media news channels and require district administrations to maintain lists of such channels.
- Minister Sakina Itoo stated that cases of misleading information could be prosecuted under various legal frameworks, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and new legislative measures.
- The Assembly discussion highlighted differing opinions on regulation, with some members advocating for safeguards against misuse of digital platforms, while others called for increased access to information as a solution to problematic content.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is preparing a new media policy that will provide for the registration and regulation of online news platforms, Minister Sakina Itoo told the Legislative Assembly on September 30.
The proposed New Media Policy, 2026, will cover online news media alongside print publications, with the stated aim of ensuring accountability for false, misleading or fabricated information circulated through digital and social media channels.
Responding to a question from National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmed Shah Veeri, Itoo said a House Committee headed by Ali Mohammad Sagar had given the Information Department four months to prepare the policy and guidelines.
“The department is actively working within that stipulated timeline,” she said.
The proposed framework includes guidelines and standard operating procedures for dealing with unregistered social media news channels.
According to Itoo, district administrations would be required to maintain detailed lists of such channels operating within their jurisdictions.
The minister said cases involving false, misleading or fabricated information could be registered under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Assembly discussion also brought differing views on regulation. National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq called for safeguards against image morphing and misuse of digital platforms. Peoples Democratic Party MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para opposed restrictions, arguing that greater access to information should be the response to problematic content.
Itoo acknowledged the importance of print and electronic media and said responsibility for misleading social media content could not be placed solely on journalists. She also pointed to the role of political actors and suggested stricter checks on mobile phones brought into the Assembly to address concerns over unauthorised recording.
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