DNPA Code of Ethics

Purpose and independence

The Code outlines high standards, ethics and practices for digital news publishing without becoming involved in publishers’ day-to-day operations. Publishers retain complete editorial and content independence. Its basic principles are to maintain digital-publishing standards and protect the independence of journalists, content entities and publishers.

Law and professional conduct

Digital news websites follow the Constitution of India, media-related laws, relevant provisions of the IPC and CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, where applicable. They adhere to accepted journalistic ethics and practices and maintain high professional standards through self-regulation and rigorous newsroom processes.

Accuracy, transparency and fairness

Members should avoid inaccurate, baseless or distorted material. Pre-publication verification is mandatory, defamation should be avoided, and applicable laws and rules must be followed.

Right of reply

• Reports and articles should include the comments or version of a person or party against whom allegations are made. A response received later should be incorporated.
• When news develops and the concerned person or party requests an update, it should be carried appropriately and the update date should appear on the article.

Take down, delete or edit

When a report is shown to contain false or inaccurate information, and the concerned person identifies themselves and provides correct supporting documents or material, the inaccurate portion should be edited or deleted. If the entire report is false or inaccurate, the article should be deleted.

Respect for intellectual-property rights

• Copyright in text, photographs, plans, diagrams, cartoons and other material must be respected. Prior permission should be obtained, and moral and ownership rights acknowledged.
• Any required fee or royalty must be paid.
• Third-party trademarks and service marks should not be used without permission unless the use is legally fair use.
• After a supported infringement request, affected content should be edited, deleted or taken down where necessary.

Sensitive reporting

Crime and sensational matters must be reported factually and without bias while preserving the presumption of innocence. Speculation about evidence, witnesses, accused persons and victims should be avoided.

Special care is required when reporting workplace sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, matters involving minors, matrimonial disputes, riots and communal clashes, divorce and custody cases, adoption and similar sensitive matters.

Sections 67, 67A and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 must be followed where applicable, including restrictions on obscene or sexually explicit material and depictions of children in sexually explicit acts.

Grievance redressal

Members acting as intermediaries under the Information Technology Act, 2000 follow the applicable grievance-redressal mechanism, recognise Section 79 liabilities and safe-harbour protections, and comply with relevant intermediary rules, including appointing a grievance officer whose contact details appear on the website and responding within the prescribed time.

Training and awareness

Editorial teams should receive periodic training on the Constitution, media laws, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Copyright Act, Right to Information Act, relevant IPC and CrPC provisions, civil and criminal defamation, intellectual property, juvenile justice, POCSO, reporting on rape and molestation, workplace harassment, caste and gender crime, and domestic violence.

• Never publish names or identifying details of victims, or of juvenile perpetrators or those protected in workplace matters.
• Avoid photographs of victims, their residences and workplaces.
• Exercise special care in communal or religious disputes. Publish only after verification, with restraint and in a manner conducive to harmony, amity and peace.
• Report courts and judicial matters accurately, respect legislative privileges, and include the versions of victim and accused without editorial comment.
• Respect the privacy of people, especially those who are not public figures.