The Code of Ethics' primary principles are to uphold digital publication standards as well as to defend and sustain the liberty of journalists, content owners, and publishers.
The Digital News Publishers Association has drafted a voluntary Code of Ethics for its members, which is stated below, demonstrating their commitment to ethical digital publication.
- even as it monitors and scrutinizes any developments that may limit the collecting and transmission of current affairs, news, or any other information, in order to defend our 19 (1) (a) and other Constitutionally promised liberties. The purpose of this Code is to specify high standards, ethics, and norms in digital news publication; it is not intended to interfere with the publishers' day-to-day activities.
- who are editorially and content-wise completely independent. The Code of Ethics' primary principles are to uphold digital publication standards as well as to defend and sustain the freedom of journalists, content companies, and publishers.
- Where appropriate, digital news websites abide with the laws of the nation, including the Indian Constitution, over 30 media legislation, relevant portions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, CrPC, and the IPC.
- They also uphold the greatest levels of professional behaviour while adhering to approved ethical journalism and procedures. Such self-regulatory codes and ethics come at numerous tiers, including those established by particular bodies and also rigorous procedures in newsrooms at the rank of editors and journalists.
- Objectivity, Transparency, and Fairness: Members should avoid publishing content that is erroneous, unsubstantiated, or misleading. Verification prior to publishing should be required. Slander should be prevented at all costs. It is vital to follow all relevant laws and regulations.
- Right to Reply:
- Comments or versions of the person or party against whom charges are made should be included in news stories and articles. If the individual or party's answer is not conveyed, it will be included if it is provided later.
- If there are further advancements in the news and a relevant authority or party seeks an update, the information must be sent in a timely manner. The date of the most recent update should also be included in the news article.
- Eliminate, remove, or modify: If a news piece or article is discovered to contain incomplete or misleading information, the part of the media report or editorial should be edited or deleted after the concerned person or party approaches, provides correct information, identifies himself or herself, and provides required documents or material. If the whole news story is shown to be erroneous or inaccurate, the entire item should be erased.
- Be mindful of Intellectual Property Rights:
- Copyright must be honoured in text, images, plans, schematics, cartoons, and other media. If copyrighted content is utilized, permission should be obtained ahead of time, and the publication must respect ownership and moral rights.
- If obtaining permission necessitates the payment of a royalty or fee, the royalty or fee must be compensated.
- Third-party service marks and trademarks may only be used with consent or if the usage is considered fair.
- If there is a violation of intellectual property, the material should be modified, erased, or taken down if required after receiving any notice and obtaining the relevant papers.
- Extreme caution should be used when reporting on sensational or criminal topics. It is necessary to maintain the presumption of innocent. Comments and conjecture about the facts, witnesses and witness behaviour, accused and victim behaviour, and their respective actions should be avoided. This kind of reporting should be factual and objective.
- Coverage on workplace sexual harassment, rape, child abuse, when the suspected or victims are children, riots and communal conflicts / confrontations, matrimonial, divorce and custody issues, adoption matters, and other problems should be handled with extreme caution.
- Care should be exercised to comply with Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act of 2000, which impose penalties for publishing or distributing obscene, sexually explicit, or content showing minors in sexually explicit actions in electronic form.
- Grievance Redressal Process Members, while acting as intermediaries under the Information Technology Act of 2000, adhere to the grievance redressal mechanism specified therein and are aware of the responsibilities and safe harbour protections provided by Section 79 of the IT Act 2000. As a result, they adhere to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, which include employing a grievance officer whose contact details is available on the official website, who acts in less than 36 hours of receiving a complaint from the impacted person and rectifies the dispute within one month of receipt.
- Programs for Training and Awareness Carry out periodic awareness programs and training with editorial staff on existing laws, such as the Indian Constitution, the over 30 laws relating to the media, such as the Copyright Act, Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and CrPC, Right to Information Act, IPR, civil and criminal defamation, POCSO, Juvenile justice, harassment in the workplace, relevant provisions relating to reporting on molestation and rape, and causation.
- Victim names and information leading to the disclosure of victims or perpetrators should be avoided, if the victim is a minor or working in a company.
- Pictures of victims, their homes, workplaces, and other personal information should be avoided.
- When reporting on community or religious disagreements or fights, extra caution and care must be used at all times. Such news items should only be released after thorough fact-checking, and they should be conveyed with prudence and moderation, providing an atmosphere favourable to community harmony, peace, and amity.
- Particular caution should be taken while commenting on judicial proceedings and courts. Make editorial team aware of legislative privileges and proper coverage of legal affairs, Court proceedings, and other events. To guarantee that both the victim's and the accused's accounts are covered, without any remarks.
- Respect for privacy, particularly among those who do not participate in public life.
