Karnataka government introduces strict bill to curb fake news on social media with heavy penalties and new regulatory body.
Bengaluru: On June 21, as a big step to stop the spread of fake news, the Karnataka government came up with a new law called the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. This law aims to punish people who post or share incorrect information on social media.
The bill is expected to be discussed in the next cabinet meeting, and if passed, it could change how online news and posts are regulated in India.
This proposed law has strict punishments for anyone who shares fake news that can harm public safety, health, peace, or elections.
As per the draft, if someone knowingly spreads false news that puts people at risk or tries to disturb election systems, they could be sent to jail for up to seven years. They may also have to pay a heavy fine of Rs 10 lakh, or in some cases, both jail and fine can be imposed.
What’s more, the law is not limited only to people who live in Karnataka. Even if someone living outside Karnataka shares false content aimed at people in the state, they can still be punished under this law.
For other kinds of misinformation that cause disorder in society or create problems during elections, the punishment will be jail for two to five years and a fine.
To make sure this law is followed properly, the government plans to create a new body called the Social Media Regulatory Authority. This authority will make sure that no fake news is spread on any social media platforms.
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The body will be led by the Minister for Kannada and Culture, who will act as the Chairperson by default.
It will also include one member from the Legislative Assembly, one from the Legislative Council, two people from social media companies (chosen by the government), and one senior IAS officer, who will work as the Secretary of the Authority.
This new authority will also keep an eye on posts that are abusive, vulgar, or disrespectful to women. It will take action against content that is anti-women, insults their dignity, or spreads hate.
Posts that insult or make fun of Sanatan religious beliefs or symbols, or that promote superstitions, will also be banned under the bill.
To make sure people who break this law are punished quickly, the bill suggests setting up special courts that will hear these cases fast.
The government also plans to appoint special public prosecutors for these courts. At least one such prosecutor will be assigned to every special court.
This is to make sure all cases linked to fake news and misinformation are taken seriously and handled properly in court.
The bill clearly explains what “misinformation” means.
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It says misinformation is
“a false or misleading factual claim made knowingly or with reckless disregard for accuracy.”
However, the bill also mentions that it will not treat opinions, satire, jokes (parody), or expressions of religion or philosophy as misinformation—as long as an average person would not think those things are meant to be real facts.
It says such expressions will not be punished,
“provided an ordinary person wouldn’t interpret them as factual assertions.”
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