Refrain from publishing false content on Ram Temple event: Govt to media, social media platforms

New Delhi: The Union government on Saturday asked media outlets and social media platforms to "refrain from" publishing or telecasting any "false or manipulated" content that has the potential to disturb communal harmony against the backdrop of the January 22 Ram temple event in Ayodhya.

Issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the advisory also asked social media platforms to "make reasonable efforts to not host, display or publish information" that is undesirable.

The advisory said it has been observed that certain unverified, provocative and fake messages "are being spread", especially on social media, which can disturb communal harmony and public order.

The Ministry invited the attention of media outlets and social media platforms to the provisions of the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and Norms of Journalistic Conduct laid down by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978, a reference to which has also been made in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.