{"id":6206,"date":"2025-11-07T22:52:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=6206"},"modified":"2025-11-07T23:18:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:48:50","slug":"name-shame-those-spreading-falsehoods-not-curb-free-speech-says-priyank-kharge-on-karnatakas-misinformation-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/?p=6206","title":{"rendered":"Karnataka\u2019s Misinformation Bill: \u2018Name & Shame, Not Gag Voices,\u2019 Says Priyank Kharge"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018Name, Shame Those Spreading Falsehoods, Not Curb Free Speech\u2019: Priyank Kharge on Karnataka\u2019s Proposed Misinformation Bill<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Bengaluru | 7 November, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

By INDIA NOW Bureau\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Karnataka Plans Legal Framework to Curb Misinformation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Karnataka Minister for IT\/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge<\/strong>, announced that the State Government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive Disinformation Bill<\/em> during the upcoming Belagavi Winter Assembly Session in December 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Speaking at the Policy Dialogue on \u201cTruth, Trust & Technology\u201d<\/strong> organised jointly by Ikigai Law<\/strong> and the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)<\/strong>, Bengaluru, Kharge emphasised that the proposed Bill is not aimed at curbing free speech or satire, but at naming and shaming those who deliberately spread falsehoods<\/strong> and at holding digital platforms accountable<\/strong> for amplifying harmful content.<\/p>\n

\u0c95\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0c95\u0ca6 \u201c\u0ca4\u0caa\u0ccd\u0caa\u0cc1\u0cae\u0cbe\u0cb9\u0cbf\u0ca4\u0cbf \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0ca7\u0cc7\u0caf\u0c95\u201d: \u0cb8\u0cc1\u0cb3\u0ccd\u0cb3\u0cc1 \u0cb9\u0cb0\u0ca1\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cb5\u0cb0\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0cac\u0caf\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0cae\u0cbe\u0ca1\u0cbf, \u0cae\u0cbe\u0ca4\u0cc1 \u0cb8\u0ccd\u0cb5\u0cbe\u0ca4\u0c82\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0caf \u0c95\u0cb8\u0cbf\u0caf\u0cac\u0cc7\u0ca1 \u2014 \u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0cbf\u0caf\u0cbe\u0c82\u0c95\u0ccd \u0c96\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0c97\u0cc6<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cDisinformation is extremely dangerous because of its intentional and corrosive nature,\u201d said Kharge. \u201cTechnology has magnified this threat \u2014 with accessible and affordable AI tools, anyone can now create deepfakes, clone voices, or fabricate documents that appear authentic. A single click can spark chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that the government seeks to bring online platforms under the same legal framework as individuals spreading misinformation. \u201cAll we seek is to bring these platforms and the laws of the land under one umbrella. They cannot escape accountability by claiming ignorance,\u201d Kharge asserted.<\/p>\n

\n

Media Updates:<\/strong> +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp]<\/span> | indianowme@gmail.com<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

Balancing Truth and Free Expression<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The dialogue, attended by legal experts, scholars, and media professionals, centred on one critical question \u2014 Who defines the truth, and how can misinformation be tackled without undermining free expression?<\/em><\/p>\n

The first panel, \u201cRegulating Speech in Karnataka: A Constitutional Tug of War\u201d<\/em>, examined the constitutional boundaries of speech regulation<\/strong>, highlighting that any such law must adhere to Article 19(1)(a)<\/strong>, which guarantees freedom of speech, and Article 19(2)<\/strong>, which allows only \u201creasonable restrictions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u201cWho Decides the Truth?\u201d \u2014 Legal Experts Warn Against Government Overreach<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Manu Kulkarni<\/strong>, Partner at Poovayya & Co, cautioned against overreach:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest problem with the current approach is that the government wants to be the arbiter of truth. That\u2019s difficult to digest. The central government tried it through a fact-check unit, but the Bombay High Court struck it down. Regulations should target only those who cause actual harm<\/em> \u2014 anything beyond that strikes at the root of democracy.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sudhir Krishnaswamy<\/strong>, Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, echoed this view, urging that laws shift away from criminalisation and instead focus on civil liabilities<\/strong> for individuals and platforms.<\/p>\n

Alok Kumar Prasanna<\/strong>, Co-Founder of Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, said India\u2019s overreliance on criminal law was misplaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cCriminal action here begins with an arrest and ends with bail. There\u2019s no focus on convictions because institutions don\u2019t exist. The real issue is educational \u2014 we\u2019re not taught to think critically. The harder, but necessary, solution is to foster critical thinking instead of policing opinions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Practical Challenges of Enforcing Misinformation Laws<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The second panel, \u201cTackling Misinformation in Practice: Risks, Responsibilities, and Alternatives\u201d<\/em>, explored the logistical and ethical complexities<\/strong> of implementing such legislation. Experts questioned whether state-level authorities could realistically monitor or prosecute online falsehoods, given the global nature of digital communication<\/strong> and the immense volume of online content<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u0ca4\u0caa\u0ccd\u0caa\u0cc1\u0cae\u0cbe\u0cb9\u0cbf\u0ca4\u0cbf \u0cb5\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0ccb\u0ca7 \u0c95\u0cbe\u0ca8\u0cc2\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0cac\u0cc7\u0c95\u0cc1, \u0c86\u0ca6\u0cb0\u0cc6 \u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0c9c\u0cbe\u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0cad\u0cc1\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0cb5\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cc6 \u0ca7\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cc6\u0caf\u0cbe\u0ca6\u0cb0\u0cc6?\u201d \u2014 \u0cae\u0cbe\u0ca7\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cae \u0ca4\u0c9c\u0ccd\u0c9e\u0cb0 \u0c9a\u0cbf\u0c82\u0ca4\u0ca8\u0cc6<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dhanya Rajendran<\/strong>, Co-Founder of The News Minute<\/em>, expressed strong reservations about the Bill\u2019s potential misuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe idea sounds good, but implementation can easily turn repressive. Look at what happened after the Congress government came to power \u2014 three national anchors were booked, and most cases fizzled out. This Bill, if passed, could allow authorities to target journalists or YouTubers who criticise the government. It\u2019s a dangerous precedent,\u201d she warned.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Siddharth Narrain<\/strong>, Associate Professor at NLSIU, drew attention to global parallels.<\/p>\n

\u201cCountries like Singapore, those in the EU, and Australia have experimented with such laws, but they\u2019ve all faced intense debate and criticism. Even at the UN level, the issue of defining disinformation remains unresolved. The key question remains \u2014 who decides what constitutes misinformation?<\/em>\u201d he asked.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

A Tightrope Between Accountability and Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While acknowledging the need for checks on misinformation, several panelists agreed that excessive state control could have chilling effects on journalism and public discourse<\/strong>. The consensus emerging from the dialogue was that regulation must be proportionate, transparent, and constitutionally sound<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As Karnataka moves towards tabling the Misinformation Bill, stakeholders from media, academia, and civil society urged the government to consult widely, avoid overcriminalisation<\/strong>, and ensure that the fight against disinformation does not turn into a weapon against dissent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Kharge, while firm on the state\u2019s intention to act against malicious actors, reassured critics that the government values free expression:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no intention of curbing free speech, creativity, or satire. But those who knowingly spread lies that harm people or institutions must face consequences.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Here\u2019s a complete set of impactful headlines, subheadlines, powerful quotes, and a Q&A summary<\/strong> drawn from the article \u2014 formatted for a professional news feature or print\/online layout.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\u201cA Law That Sounds Good Could Silence Voices,\u201d Warns Journalist Dhanya Rajendran<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
\n
\n

<\/h2>\n
\n

\ud83d\udcac Key Quotes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT\/BT & Rural Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • \u201cDisinformation is extremely dangerous because of its intentional and corrosive nature. With accessible AI tools, anyone can now create deepfakes, clone voices, and fabricate documents that look real.\u201d<\/li>\n
  • \u201cA single click can spark chaos. Our goal is to name and shame those who spread falsehoods \u2014 not curb free speech, satire, or opinion.\u201d<\/li>\n
  • \u201cAll we seek is to bring platforms and individuals under one legal umbrella. They cannot escape accountability by claiming ignorance.\u201d<\/li>\n
  • \u201cWe have no intention of curbing free speech or creativity, but those who knowingly spread lies that harm others must face consequences.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \n

    Manu Kulkarni, Partner, Poovayya & Co<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • \u201cThe biggest problem with the current approach is that the government wants to be the arbiter of truth. That\u2019s difficult to digest.\u201d<\/li>\n
    • \u201cRegulations should target only those who cause actual harm \u2014 anything beyond that strikes at the root of democracy.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n

      Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor, NLSIU<\/strong><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • \u201cThe focus should shift away from criminalisation. We need to think in terms of civil liabilities for both individuals and platforms.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n

        Alok Kumar Prasanna, Co-Founder, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • \u201cCriminal action in India starts with an arrest and ends with bail. The real issue is education \u2014 we\u2019re not taught to think critically.\u201d<\/li>\n
        • \u201cThe hard solution is to build citizens who question information, not punish those who express opinions.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          \n

          Dhanya Rajendran, Co-Founder, The News Minute<\/strong><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • \u201cThe Bill sounds good on paper, but in practice it could become a tool to silence journalists.
            \nWhen criticism of the government is treated as misinformation, democracy itself is at risk.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
            \n

            Siddharth Narrain, Associate Professor, NLSIU<\/strong><\/h3>\n
              \n
            • \u201cGlobally, countries like Singapore, Australia, and those in the EU have struggled to define disinformation.
              \nEven at the UN level, the question remains \u2014 who decides what the truth is?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n

              \u2753 Key Q&As<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

              Q1. What is Karnataka\u2019s proposed Misinformation Bill about?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A:<\/strong> The Bill aims to regulate and penalise deliberate spreaders of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, and to hold social media platforms accountable for amplifying such content. It will likely be tabled in the Belagavi Winter Assembly Session in December 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Q2. Does the Bill threaten freedom of speech?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A:<\/strong> According to Minister Priyank Kharge, no. The government intends to \u201cname and shame\u201d those spreading lies but not restrict creativity, satire, or opinion. However, media experts warn that its implementation could inadvertently curb free expression.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Q3. Why is such a law considered necessary now?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A:<\/strong> With affordable AI tools enabling creation of deepfakes<\/strong>, voice cloning<\/strong>, and forged documents<\/strong>, the spread of falsehoods has become easier and more harmful. The government sees a need to hold both individuals and platforms accountable.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Q4. What constitutional issues are being discussed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A:<\/strong> Legal experts emphasised that any such law must respect Article 19(1)(a)<\/strong> (freedom of speech) and the reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2)<\/strong>. Overreach could violate constitutional safeguards.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Q5. What concerns have experts raised?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              A:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Overreach and misuse:<\/strong> Experts fear the Bill could empower authorities to target journalists or dissenting voices.<\/li>\n
              • Defining truth:<\/strong> Determining what constitutes \u201cfalse\u201d information remains contentious.<\/li>\n
              • Enforcement complexity:<\/strong> Monitoring millions of online posts daily is resource-intensive and jurisdictionally difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                \n

                Q6. What were the main recommendations from the panel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                A:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Move away from criminal law\u2013based enforcement.<\/li>\n
                • Introduce civil or platform-level liability<\/strong> instead of arrests.<\/li>\n
                • Encourage media literacy<\/strong> and critical thinking<\/strong> education to combat misinformation at its roots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  \n

                  Q7. How do other countries handle disinformation laws?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                  A:<\/strong> Internationally, countries like Singapore<\/strong>, Australia<\/strong>, and some in the European Union<\/strong> have enacted similar legislation, often drawing backlash over free speech concerns. Global legal debates continue over how to define and regulate misinformation without state overreach.<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Q8. What\u2019s next for Karnataka?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                  A:<\/strong> The State Government plans to table the Bill during the Winter Session in Belagavi<\/strong>. Priyank Kharge has assured that public consultations and expert reviews will continue before finalisation.<\/p>\n

                  <\/div>\n

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                  \u2018Name, Shame Those Spreading Falsehoods, Not Curb Free Speech\u2019: Priyank Kharge on Karnataka\u2019s Proposed Misinformation Bill Bengaluru | 7 November, 2025 By INDIA NOW Bureau\u00a0 Karnataka Plans Legal Framework to Curb Misinformation Karnataka Minister for IT\/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, announced that the State Government is preparing to introduce a comprehensive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6207,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[198,66],"tags":[101,137,1377,1376,1378,74,1374,1375],"class_list":["post-6206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bengaluru","category-karnataka","tag-bjp","tag-congress","tag-fake-news","tag-hate-speech","tag-hatemongering","tag-karnataka","tag-trust","tag-trust-and-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6206"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6211,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6206\/revisions\/6211"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belgaumnow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}