Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 9: In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Government of Karnataka has issued an urgent advisory to media professionals, warning of the increased risk of fake news and misinformation spreading via social media and other platforms.

The department of Information and Public Relations, in a directive dated May 9, highlighted that such unverified and false content could trigger needless panic among citizens, potentially causing serious harm to national security and public peace.

Acknowledging the evolving situation and its impact on public discourse, the advisory appeals to all media houses, journalists, editors, and content creators to act with utmost responsibility and caution. It outlines five key guidelines for ethical and accurate reporting:

1. Verify all information: Do not publish any reports, images or videos obtained from unverified sources. If the authenticity of the information cannot be confirmed, it must not be published.

2. Use official fact-checking tools: Media professionals are encouraged to rely on credible fact-checking platforms such as PIB fact check, Alt News, BOOM, Factly, Snopes and AFP fact check to ascertain the accuracy of content before sharing or publishing.

3. Avoid sensationalism and fear-mongering: Reports should be presented in a calm and sensitive tone. Content that may be seen as alarmist, provocative or that incites fear should be strictly avoided.

4. Rectify misinformation promptly: If incorrect or misleading information has been shared, it must be corrected immediately, and a clear explanation should be issued to acknowledge and rectify the error.

5. Follow legal and ethical norms: When reporting on sensitive issues involving communities or international relations, journalists must uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ethics and impartiality.

The statement underlined that the media has a critical role to play as pillars of public trust and accountability. “Let us remain vigilant and ensure that unverified information does not disrupt the peace, unity and integrity of the state,” the advisory said.

The circular, signed by Hemant M. Nimbalkar, IPS, Commissioner of the department, called upon media stakeholders to be alert and responsible in their content creation and dissemination, especially in a climate where misinformation could be weaponised to destabilise public harmony.

The advisory concludes by reinforcing that journalistic caution is vital to maintain societal calm and national unity at a time of heightened geopolitical tension.