Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today called for accountability in Digital Media to combat fake news and safeguard democracy. Delivering the keynote address virtually at National Press Day event in New Delhi, Mr Vaishnaw said Digital Media platforms must come up with solutions that account for the impact their systems have on the society. He also addressed the need for revisiting Safe Harbor provision amidst the changing media landscape and India’s diverse cultural and social context.

The Minister highlighted media’s role in preserving democracy. Mr Vaishnaw said press played a major role in freedom struggle and during the Emergency. He said India has vibrant and diverse media ecosystem, which includes 35 thosuand registered newspapers, numerous news channels, and a robust digital infrastructure.

The Minister expressed concern that paid news has emerged as a huge threat to society. He said consumption is rapidly shifting from traditional media to digital media. He also cited fair compensation, algorithmic bias of digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence as challenges being faced.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister said that in a country as diverse as India, misinformation can have serious consequences. Speaking on the occasion virtually, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan said journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy. He said fake news is a major concern today. Dr Murugan praised the PIB Fact Check Unit for checking the authentication of news and articles.

In his speech, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju said Indian media has been a great ambassador of national unity and a huge source of India’s soft power. He also highlighted government initiatives to support media.

AIR correspondent reports that National Press Day is celebrated on the 16th of November every year. This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning.