Director Information says draft is under scrutiny; Facebook, Instagram among platforms proposed to be covered
Srinagar|Oct, 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is working on a revised media policy that seeks to account for the growing influence of social media platforms, with Facebook and Instagram among those proposed to be covered under the new framework.
Director Information Mamta Yadav said the draft was being examined and the department was addressing queries received during the policy formulation process.
“The draft has been sent, and we are continuously responding to the queries that are coming in,” Yadav said adding that the government hoped to finalise the policy soon.
She said the changing media landscape, particularly the expansion of digital platforms, had necessitated the inclusion of aspects that were not adequately addressed under the existing policy.
The proposed framework is being developed against the backdrop of concerns over the circulation of misleading information, online trolling and the growing number of social media accounts operating as news platforms in Jammu and Kashmir.
The policy has also drawn attention to the challenge of ensuring accountability for online content without compromising freedom of expression and the independence of the media.
The matter was discussed in the Legislative Assembly on September 30, when Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed the House that the Information Department had been given four months to formulate guidelines for the new media policy.
The issue was raised by National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, who sought measures to address the alleged misuse of social media, including online attacks against elected representatives.
During the discussion, legislators called for steps to deal with the misuse of digital platforms, while some cautioned against regulatory provisions that could restrict press freedom.
Itoo had said that responsibility for the misuse of social media could not be placed entirely on the media, observing that political actors also contributed to the problem. She stressed the need for greater accountability for content circulated on online platforms.
Although the draft is under examination, the government has yet to make its final provisions public. The extent of regulation, the mechanism for implementation and the safeguards for freedom of expression will become clearer once the policy is finalised.
