Code of Ethics


The Digital News Publishers Association has voluntarily drawn up a Code of Ethics for its members as
outlined below, which demonstrates their commitment to responsible digital publishing — even as it, in
order to protect our 19 (1) (a) and other Constitutionally mandated freedoms, keeps under review and
scrutinizes any developments likely to restrict the gathering and dissemination of news and current affairs
or any other content.
The object of this Code is to outline high standards, ethics and practices in digital news publishing, and
does not constitute any attempt to involve itself in the day to day operations of the publishers — who have
complete editorial and content independence.
The basic precepts of the Code of Ethics are to maintain the standards of digital publishing as well as
protect and maintain the independence of journalists, content entities and publishers.

  1. Digital news websites follow the laws of the land including the Constitution of India, the over 30 laws
    relating to the media, relevant provisions of IPC, CrPC as well as the Information Technology Act,
    2000, where applicable.
  2. They also diligently adhere to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and practices and maintain the
    highest standards of professional conduct. There are several layers of these self-regulatory ethics and
    codes – including as outlined by specific entities as well as rigorous processes in newsrooms at the
    level of journalists and editors.
  3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness Members should eschew publication of inaccurate, baseless or
    distorted material. Pre-publication verification should be mandatory. Defamation should be avoided.
    Adherence to applicable laws and rules is necessary.
  4. Right of reply
    a. News reports and articles should incorporate comments or version of person or party in respect of
    whom allegations are carried. If not carried, the person or party’s response, if received later, to be
    incorporated.
    b. If there are developments in the news, and the concerned person or party requests an update, the
    same must be carried appropriately. Date of update should also appear in the news item published.
  5. Take down, delete or edit
    If news report or article is found to contain false or inaccurate information, then on approach by the
    concerned person or party, providing correct information, identifying himself or herself, providing
    required documents or material, the portion of the news report or article should be edited or deleted.
    If entire news report is found to contain false, inaccurate information, the entire article should be
    deleted.
  6. Respect Intellectual Property Rights
    a. Copyright in text, photographs, plans, diagrams, cartoons, etc must be respected. If copyrighted
    material is used, then prior permission should be taken and publication must acknowledge moral and
    ownership rights.
    b. If permission requires payment of fee or royalty, the same must be paid.
    c. Trade Marks and Service Marks of third parties not to be used except with prior permission or if such
    use constitutes fair use.
    d. In case infringement of intellectual property – upon receiving any request and after getting the
    necessary documents, the concerned content should be edited, deleted or take down if necessary.
  7. Care to be taken for reporting sensational matters and crime. Presumption of innocence must be
    preserved. Comments and speculation on evidence, witness and witness conduct, accused and victim
    and their respective conduct to be avoided. Such reporting should be based on facts and unbiased.
  8. Special care to be taken while reporting on sexual harassment in workplace, child abuse, rape, where
    accused or victims are minors, matrimonial, riots and communal disputes / clashes, divorce and
    custody cases, adoption matters, etc.
    • Care to be taken, to follow Sections 67, 67A and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 where
    applicable — which provide for penalties for publishing or transmitting obscene material, sexually
    explicit material and also material depicting children in sexually explicit acts, in electronic form.
  9. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
    Members –when intermediaries as defined under the Information Technology Act, 2000— follow the
    grievance redressal mechanism as outlined therein and are cognizant of the liabilities and safe harbor
    protections under Section 79 of the IT Act 2000. Hence, as relevant, they follow the Information
    Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011 including appointing a grievance officer whose
    contact details are displayed on the website and who acts within 36 hours of receipt of complaint by
    affected person and redresses the complaint within one month from its receipt.
  10. Training and Awareness Programs
    Conduct periodic training and awareness programs with editorial staff about existing laws including
    Constitution of India, the over 30 laws relating to the media like The Indecent Representation of
    Women (Prohibition) Act, Copyright Act, Right to Information Act, relevant provisions of Indian Penal
    Code and CrPC, civil and criminal defamation, IPR, Juvenile justice, POCSO, relevant provisions
    relating to reporting on rape and molestation, harassment in the work place, caste or gender related
    crime, domestic violence, etc.
    o Names of victims and details leading to identification of victims or perpetrator, if juvenile or in the
    workplace, to be strictly avoided.
    o Photographs of victims, their residence, workplace, etc to be avoided.
    o Special care and caution must be exercised at all times while reporting matters related to communal
    or religious disputes/clashes. Such news items shall be published only after a proper verification of
    facts and should be presented with due caution and restraint, ensuring an environment that is
    conducive to promoting communal harmony, amity and peace.
    o Special care in reporting on Courts and judicial matters. Create awareness among editorial staff
    about legislative privileges and correct reporting of Court hearings, judicial matters, etc. To ensure that
    versions of victim and accused are covered, without comments thereon.
    o Respect for privacy especially persons not in public life.