Modi scraps order threatening scribes over 'fake news'

New Delhi - The PMO felt that the government should not interfere in the matter.

The Prime Minister's Office on Tuesday ordered the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to withdraw its press release on fake news, holding that the decision on what constitutes fake news should be left to press bodies.
According to official sources, the PMO felt that the government should not interfere in the matter.

I and B ministry officials confirmed that the directives from the PMO on the issue have been received and said the press release is likely to be withdrawn shortly.

The ministry had on Monday announced measures to contain fake news, saying a journalist's accreditation could be permanently cancelled if he or she is found generating or propagating fake news.

The guidelines drew a sharp reaction from the Congress and several journalists.

According to the amended guidelines for the accreditation of journalists, if the publication or telecast of fake news was confirmed, the accreditation of that journalist would be suspended for six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation.

In case of a third violation, his or her accreditation would be cancelled permanently, the ministry said in the release.

However, the press release did not define what is fake news.

"PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against 'fake news' have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same," I and B Minister Smriti Irani tweeted earlier in the day.

In another tweet, she said, "@MIB_India is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of 'fake news' & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at @MIB_India.
Action by Asian governments to crack down on "fake news"

Co-opted by US President Donald Trump, the term "fake news" has quickly become part of the standard repertoire of leaders in several countries to describe media reports and organisations critical of them.

Here is a list of the actions against fake news taken by governments in the region:

- Malaysia has passed a law which sets out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($123,000) and a maximum six years in jail for offenders who spread fake news inside and outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen are affected. The law, which comes ahead of a general election, covers news outlets, digital publications and social media.

- India will temporarily or permanently cancel government accreditation of journalists found to be spreading fake news, the information and broadcasting ministry said. The accreditation is required to access government offices, news conferences and seminars and serves as security clearance at many other events.

- In Singapore, a parliamentary committee has been reviewing possible measures to prevent "deliberate online falsehoods". An eight-day hearing - the longest in Singapore's history - drew to a close on March 29. The committee will prepare a report on possible new legislation in May, after parliament's mid-term break, its chairman, Charles Chong, told the final session.

- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has "lost trust" in news site Rappler and barred it from covering his official events, his spokesman said in February. Duterte has called Rappler a fake news outlet, making no secret of his annoyance at its reporting, which has heavily scrutinised his polices and the accuracy of his statements. Additionally, anti-fake news legislation, which would impose fines and prison terms of up to 20 years for spreading false information, is under consideration in the Philippines.

- Thailand already has a cyber-security law under which the spread of false information carries a jail sentence of up to seven years, and the military government strictly enforces lese majeste laws that shield the royal family from insult.

• India