What is Fake News?
“Fake news” is referred as those news stories that are false, fabricated, with no verifiable facts, sources, or quotes.
Types of Fake News?
Satire or parody -No intention to cause harm,
Misleading content
Imposter content
Fabricated Content
False connection
False or Manipulated content
Laws to control effect of fake news
Section 66D of Information Technology Act, 2008
Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
Sections 153, 499 and 500, 505(1) of Indian Penal Code, 1860
If the offence is related to electronic communication
In this scenario whoever, by means for any communication device or computer resources cheats by personating shall be punished under section 66 D of IT Act.
Fake News related to disaster
Whoever makes or circulates a false alarm or warning as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic shall be punished under section 54 of the Disaster Management Act.
Fake News creating false alarm in public
Whoever by making, publishing, or circulating any statement, rumour or report which may cause fear for an alarm to the public, or to any section of the public shall be punished under section 505(1) of IPC.
Fake News creating riots
Whoever maliciously, or wantonly, by doing anything illegal, gives provocation to any person intending or knowing it to be likely that such provocation will cause the offense of rioting to be committed will be liable for an offence under section 153 of IPC.
Information causing defamation
Anyone by words either spoken or intended to be read, or by signs or by visible representations, makes or publishes any imputation concerning any person intending to harm, or knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm, the reputation of such person is liable for defamation which is punishable under section 499 and 500 of the IPC.
(The author, Prachi Mishra, is a Supreme Court lawyer and Additional Advocate General, Chhattisgarh)
Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here
Comments
0 comment