JAMMU, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Government said that regulation of websites, digital platforms and online news channels does not fall within the mandate of the Information Department, even as it disclosed that 28 rebuttals against fake news and misinformation have been issued since April 2025.
Replying to a written question by MLA Sh. R.S. Pathania, the government informed the House that the Directorate of Information & Public Relations has established a dedicated Media Monitoring Cell to track fake or misleading news on a real-time basis.
The department said that whenever fake or misleading content is detected, rebuttals or fact-check clarifications are issued through official press releases and the social media handles of the DIPR. However, it categorically stated that regulation of websites, digital platforms, including online news channels and Fact Check Units (FCUs), is not under the purview of the Information Department.
It also clarified that the imposition of fines on organizations or individuals found spreading fake news does not come under the mandate of the Information Department.
In view of the growing influence of new and social media platforms, the government said that suitable provisions have been proposed in the Draft New Media Policy-2026 to create a regulatory framework covering new and social media along with print media.
The draft policy is currently under inter-departmental consultation for finalization.
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