DNPA Code of Ethics For News Websites

Code of Ethics for Digital News Websites

News Report adopts and follows the Code of Ethics for Digital News Websites as voluntarily drawn up by the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA). This Code demonstrates our commitment to responsible digital publishing, while also safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India and other constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

The objective of this Code is to outline high standards, ethics, and best practices in digital news publishing. It does not seek to interfere with the day-to-day operations of publishers, who retain complete editorial and content independence.

The basic precepts of this Code of Ethics are to maintain high standards of digital publishing and to protect and preserve the independence of journalists, content creators, and publishers.

Compliance With Laws

Digital news websites follow the laws of the land, including the Constitution of India, the numerous laws relating to the media, relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000, wherever applicable.

They diligently adhere to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and practices and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. These standards operate through multiple layers of self-regulation, including organizational policies and rigorous newsroom processes followed by journalists and editors.

Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness

News Report shall avoid publication of inaccurate, baseless, misleading, or distorted material. Pre-publication verification of facts is mandatory. Defamation shall be avoided at all times. All applicable laws and rules must be strictly followed.

Right of Reply

News reports and articles shall, wherever possible, incorporate the comments or version of the person or party against whom allegations are made.

If such response is not available at the time of publication, and is received later, it shall be incorporated appropriately.

If there are subsequent developments and the concerned person or party requests an update, the same shall be carried with due prominence. The date of update shall also appear in the news item.

Edit, Delete or Takedown of Content

If any news report or article is found to contain false or inaccurate information, and the concerned person provides correct information along with supporting documents, the relevant portion of the content shall be edited or deleted.

If an entire news report is found to be false or inaccurate, the complete article shall be deleted or taken down.

Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright in text, photographs, illustrations, plans, diagrams, cartoons, videos, and other creative works must be respected.

If copyrighted material is used, prior permission must be obtained and due acknowledgement of moral and ownership rights must be given. Where required, applicable fees or royalties shall be paid.

Trade marks and service marks of third parties shall not be used except with prior permission or where such use qualifies as fair use.

Upon receiving a valid complaint regarding intellectual property infringement and supporting documentation, the concerned content shall be edited, deleted, or taken down as necessary.

Reporting on Crime and Sensitive Matters

Care shall be taken while reporting on crime and sensational matters. The presumption of innocence must be preserved. Comments or speculation on evidence, witnesses, accused persons, victims, or their conduct shall be avoided. Reporting shall be factual and unbiased.

Special care shall be exercised while reporting on sexual harassment at the workplace, child abuse, rape, cases involving minors, matrimonial disputes, riots and communal clashes, divorce and custody matters, adoption cases, and similar sensitive issues.

Obscene and Harmful Content

News Report shall comply with Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which provide penalties for publishing or transmitting obscene material, sexually explicit material, or content depicting children in sexually explicit acts in electronic form.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Where applicable, News Report follows the grievance redressal mechanism prescribed under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules.

A designated grievance officer’s contact details are displayed on the website. Complaints are acknowledged within 36 hours of receipt and are redressed within one month.

Training and Awareness Programs

News Report conducts periodic training and awareness programs for editorial staff regarding existing laws and best practices, including:

  • Constitution of India
  • Media-related laws
  • Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act
  • Copyright Act
  • Right to Information Act
  • IPC and CrPC provisions
  • Civil and criminal defamation
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act
  • Laws relating to reporting on sexual offences, workplace harassment, caste or gender-based crimes, and domestic violence

Protection of Identity

Names, photographs, or details that may lead to the identification of victims or juveniles shall be strictly avoided. Photographs of victims, their residences, or workplaces shall not be published.

Communal and Religious Harmony

Special care and caution shall be exercised while reporting on communal or religious disputes or clashes. Such reports shall be published only after proper verification and with restraint, promoting communal harmony, amity, and peace.

Courts and Judicial Reporting

Special care shall be taken while reporting on courts and judicial matters. Editorial staff shall be sensitized about legislative privileges and correct reporting of court proceedings. Versions of both victim and accused shall be covered without commentary.

Respect for Privacy

News Report respects the privacy of individuals, especially persons not in public life.