Jammu and Kashmir Govt Rebuts 28 Fake News Items in 10 Months; Says No Mandate to Regulate Fact-Check Units

Jammu, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has rebutted 28 fake or misleading news items in the past 10 months through its media monitoring cell, but clarified that it does not have the mandate to regulate websites, digital platforms, or private fact-checking units, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Thursday.
In a written reply to a question by legislator R S Pathania, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) said a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell has been established for real-time tracking of fake news.
“Twenty rebuttals were issued through press releases and eight through the official social media handles of DIPR, J&K between April 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026,” the reply stated.
The government clarified that regulation of websites, digital platforms including online news channels, and Fact Check Units does not fall under the purview of the Information Department. It further said the department neither recognises nor authorises any private Fact Checking Unit (FCU) and does not verify, grade, or audit such entities.
Draft New Media Policy-2026
The government has proposed a regulatory framework for new and social media under the draft New Media Policy-2026, which is currently at the inter-departmental consultation stage.
On penal action, the department stated that imposing fines on organisations or corporate entities for spreading fake news does not come under its mandate.
All government departments have designated Nodal Officers to monitor department-specific fake news, with login credentials to upload rebuttals on a dedicated portal.
Under the J&K Media Policy 2020, DIPR is authorised to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and unethical or anti-national activities, with powers to de-empanel media houses or withhold government advertisements. For entities registered under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, the government can recommend de-registration to the Press Registrar General of India.
Legal & Cyber Framework
The legal framework governing social media platforms is anchored in the Information Technology Act, particularly Section 69A, which empowers authorities to block content in the interest of public order and national security. This is complemented by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita contains updated provisions including Section 194 (hate speech), Section 195 (religious insult), Section 356 (defamation), and Section 198 (spread of rumours and public mischief), all relevant to social media misuse.
On cyber security, the IT Department has implemented multi-layered safeguards including mandatory security audits of websites hosted on State Data Centres and NIC Mini Data Centres. Redundant websites have been decommissioned or DNS de-mapped.
Cyber security governance is reviewed monthly under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, supported by an Information Security Steering Committee under the Secretary, IT Department, and Internal Security Officers across departments, the government informed the House.
MEHRAJ
JAMMU AND KASHMIR