Journalists Condemn UP Government's Digital Media Policy

On Friday, journalists' organizations criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's new digital media policy, labeling it 'draconian'. The policy grants the government the power to declare any social media content as 'anti-social' or 'anti-national'. The stipulation infringes on freedom of expression and targets bona fide journalism.

On Friday, journalists' bodies labeled the Uttar Pradesh government's new digital media policy as 'draconian'. They argue that it grants sweeping powers to the authorities, allowing them to declare any content, including legitimate journalistic work, as 'anti-social' or 'anti-national'.

In their joint statement, the journalists pointed out that the policy aims to monetarily reward content creators who promote the state government's achievements, while legal action can be initiated against those posting deemed 'anti-national' or 'anti-social' content.

The journalists assert that this wide-ranging clause will have a chilling effect on the freedom of expression, targeting bona fide journalism and legitimate criticism of the government, and infringing on rights protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. They demand the immediate withdrawal of clause 7(2) from the policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)