Digital Media Ethics Code

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

Legal Framework & Background

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Government of India notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules) 2021 on 25th February 2021. The Digital Media Ethics Code, contained in Part III of the Rules, pertains to digital news publishers and OTT platforms, and is administered by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB).

The Code keeps the citizen at the heart of the institutional framework for publishers of news and current affairs content. It provides for a Code of Ethics for digital media publishers, and a three-tier grievance redressal framework for effective and time-bound redressal of grievances.

Code of Ethics for Online News Publishers

All digital publishers associated with JMAGC must strictly adhere to the following established norms and codes to ensure a level playing field and maintain the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

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Norms of Journalistic Conduct

Publishers must comply with the Norms of Journalistic Conduct as established by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978.

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Programme Code

Publishers must adhere to the Programme Code mandated under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Rules, 1994.

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Prohibited Content

Publishers must ensure that content prohibited under any law for the time being in force in India is not published or transmitted.

Three-Tier Co-Regulatory Mechanism

The Rules establish a soft-touch co-regulatory architecture with two levels of self-regulation by the publishers, and a third level of central government oversight.

LEVEL I

Grievance Redressal by Publisher

The first level of grievance redressal lies with the publisher themselves.

  • Must appoint a Grievance Officer based in India.
  • Ensure time-bound acknowledgement and disposal of grievances relating to the Code of Ethics.
  • Provide users with reasons for any action taken or not taken.
  • Display all details related to its grievance redressal mechanism clearly on its website.
LEVEL II

Self-Regulation (JMAGC)

The second level involves an independent self-regulatory body constituted by publishers.

  • Headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, a High Court, or an independent person of eminence.
  • Oversee adherence to the Code of Ethics by member publishers.
  • Address grievances and appeals that remain unresolved at Level I.
  • Issue guidance and advisories to publishers (e.g., warning, censure, admonish, reprimand, apology) to ensure compliance.
LEVEL III

Central Government Oversight

The final level of oversight is administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

  • Constitutes an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) chaired by an Authorized Officer.
  • Hears complaints arising out of grievances where no decision was taken at Level I or II.
  • Issues appropriate orders and directions to publishers for adherence to the Code of Ethics.
  • Takes action for non-compliance of its directions.

Read the Complete Guidelines

Download the official Ministry of Information and Broadcasting awareness booklet for full details on the Digital Media Ethics Code.

📥 Download Official PDF