TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club (YJC)-India will deny government access to journalists who publish fake news, the information ministry has announced, a decision that critics promptly labeled an attack on the freedom of the press in the world’s largest democracy.
Journalists and opposition parties described the new rules as an effort by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to control the press ahead of a general election due by next year.
It was the latest move by a government in Asia to tackle fake news and comes after Malaysia approved a law prescribing up to six years imprisonment for such offences.
Journalists found guilty of writing or broadcasting fake news will have their government accreditation withdrawn for a limited period or permanently, depending on the frequency of violations, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said in a statement on Monday evening, citing increasing complaints about fake news.
Source:Reuters