Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has dropped the ‘fake news’ clause from the latest draft of its 2025 Misinformation Regulation Bill. This move comes after widespread criticism from digital rights groups, media stakeholders, and the public regarding free speech concerns and the ambiguous legal scope of penalizing so-called fake news.

What Has Changed?

The revised Karnataka Misinformation Regulation Bill, 2025 now targets only misinformation, removing explicit penalties and definitions related to ‘fake news.’ Penalties have been reduced compared to the earlier version, and the bill introduces clearer definitions and safeguards for lawful expression. The law now focuses on knowingly or recklessly making false or inaccurate statements of fact but specifically excludes opinions, satire, and artistic expression from prosecution.
Sources: Deccan Herald, July 26, 2025

Background and Rationale

The original draft included both ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news’ as punishable offenses, with proposals for strict regulatory authorities and severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and hefty fines. However, legal experts and digital rights advocates argued that the provisions were overly broad, could chill free speech, and risked being misused against journalists and critics.
Sources: Deccan Herald, The Hindu Business Line, MediaNama

Stakeholder Responses

  • Digital rights groups welcomed the removal of the ‘fake news’ clause, emphasizing that criminalizing fake news is constitutionally questionable and may suppress independent journalism.
    Source: The Hindu Business Line, July 2025
  • Government officials stated that the bill’s goal is to combat deliberate misinformation while upholding freedom of expression and aligning with judicial guidelines it had previously faced.
  • Some civil society representatives continue to call for more public consultation to ensure the law promotes transparency and due process, without risking misuse.

What Lies Ahead?

The revised bill is expected to be placed before the state cabinet for approval. Officials have indicated that efforts will continue to ensure that the legislation is narrowly tailored and does not inadvertently penalize legitimate speech, artistic expression, or media reports.
Source: Deccan Herald, July 2025

Conclusion

Karnataka’s decision to drop the contentious ‘fake news’ clause marks a notable shift in its approach to regulating online content. As the state balances the urgent need to tackle misinformation with constitutional protections for free expression, the new bill will be closely watched by other states and digital rights advocates nationwide.