DNPA Policy
The fundamental principles of the code are to protect and preserve the editorial freedom of journalists, content providers, and publishers while also upholding the highest standards of digital publishing.
To safeguard our 19 (1) (a) and other Constitutionally mandated freedoms, the Digital News Publishers Association has voluntarily drafted a Code of Ethics for its members as outlined below. This Code of Ethics demonstrates their dedication to responsible digital publishing.
The purpose of this Code is to define best practices for digital news publishing; it is not an effort to interfere with individual publishers’ editorial or business decisions.
The primary goals of the Code of Ethics are protecting journalists, content entities, and publishers and upholding industry standards for digital publication.
1 – The Constitution of India, the more than 30 laws about the media, pertinent sections of the IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, are all adhered to by digital news websites.
2 – They uphold the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical reporting procedures. These self-regulatory principles and codes have multiple tiers, from those established by individual organizations to the stringent procedures followed by journalists and editors in the newsroom.
3 – Truthfulness, Openness, and Equity All members should refrain from spreading false, misleading, or fabricated information. We need to double-check all content before it goes to print. Avoid making defamatory statements. To avoid legal trouble, it’s essential to follow the guidelines.
4 – Right of reply
Journalists should include the other side’s perspective whenever possible when reporting on an issue. a. If the motion is not carried out, the reply from the relevant individual or party, if received later, will be considered.
b) If there have been changes in the news and the relevant person or party has requested an update, it must be delivered promptly. The published news article should also include the date it was last updated.
To modify, remove, or remove from circulation
Suppose a news article or report contains false or inaccurate information. In that case, the reporter or editor should contact the person or entity claiming to know the truth and request that the article or essay be revised or remove the offending information.
If it turns out that an entire news story was based on entirely false or incorrect information, that story needs to be taken down.
- Honor the Ownership of Original Works
a. All copyrights must be honored for written materials, images, plans, diagrams, cartoons, etc… Publication should attribute possession and moral rights if content protected by copyright laws is used.
A fee or royalty must be paid if obtaining authorization does so.
Third-party trademarks and service marks may not be used without the owner’s consent or as part of fair use.
d. In the event of an intellectual property violation, the offending material must be modified, removed, or made unavailable immediately upon receipt of a request and supporting documentation.
- Exercise caution when reporting on crime and dramatic events. The presumption of innocence must be protected. Refrain from making comments or speculating about the integrity of the proof or the actions of the witnesses, the guilt or innocence of the accused or the victim. This sort of reporting needs to be founded in reality and objective.
Reporting on cases involving juveniles, such as sexual harassment in the workplace, child abuse, rape, where the accused or victims are minors, matrimonial, riots, communal disputes/clashes, divorce and custody, adoption issues, etc., requires extra caution.
When publishing or transmitting obscene, sexually explicit, or material depicting children in sexually explicit actions, care must be taken to adhere to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Procedure for Addressing Complaints
When acting as “intermediaries” within the meaning of the Information Technology Act of 2000, Representatives are aware of their responsibilities and the safe harbors afforded to them by Section 79 of that act. Under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, they have appointed a grievance officer whose details can be found on the website. This officer will respond to complaints within 36 hours and resolve them within one month of receiving them from the affected party.
Ten. Educational and Outreach Initiatives
Editorial staff should participate in regular training and awareness programs where they learn about the Constitution of India and the more than 30 laws about the media, such as the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, the Copyright Act, the Right to Information Act, the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the CrPC, civil and criminal defamation, intellectual property rights, juvenile justice, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, and the relevant provisions relating to reporting on rape and
If the incident occurred at school or in the workplace, it is imperative that neither the victim’s name nor any information that could be used to track down the offender be shared.
It is recommended that victims not be pictured in their homes, workplaces, or other locations where they might be vulnerable.
Reporting on issues involving communal or religious disputes/clashes requires constant care and caution. Care must be taken when registering on such matters to ensure accuracy and avoid inciting unnecessary tension.
Reporting on the law and the justice system requires sensitivity. Encourage the editorial staff to learn about legislative privileges and how to accurately write on judicial issues (such as court proceedings). Ensure the victim’s and the accused’s stories are heard and uncriticized.
- Confidentiality of all non-public individuals must be protected.