DNPA Code of ethics

Preamble

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has voluntarily drawn up this Code of Ethics for its members, demonstrating their commitment to responsible digital publishing. At the same time, in order to protect the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India and other constitutionally mandated freedoms, the Association continues to review and scrutinize any developments that may restrict the gathering and dissemination of news, current affairs, or other content.

This Code outlines high standards of ethics and professional practices in digital news publishing. It does not seek to interfere in the day-to-day operations of publishers, who retain complete editorial and content independence.

Objectives of the Code

• To maintain the highest standards of digital news publishing
• To uphold ethical journalism practices
• To protect editorial independence of journalists, content creators, and publishers
• To encourage self-regulation and responsible reporting

Legal Compliance

Digital news platforms shall comply with:

• The Constitution of India
• Applicable media laws (over 30 laws governing media)
• Relevant provisions of:
  • Indian Penal Code (IPC)
  • Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (where applicable)

Members shall also adhere to accepted norms of journalistic ethics and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct through robust newsroom processes and editorial oversight.

Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness

• Publication of inaccurate, baseless, or distorted information must be avoided
• Mandatory pre-publication verification of facts
• Defamation must be strictly avoided
• Full adherence to applicable laws and journalistic norms

Right of Reply

1. News reports involving allegations must incorporate the version or comments of the concerned person or party.
   If not available at the time of publication, responses received later must be published promptly.
2. In case of subsequent developments, and upon request by the concerned party, appropriate updates must be published with a clearly visible date of update.

Take-Down, Deletion & Corrections

• If a report contains false or inaccurate information, it must be edited or corrected upon receipt of verified documentation from the affected party
• If the entire report is found to be false or misleading, it must be deleted in full

Respect for Intellectual Property Rights

• Copyright in text, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, cartoons, and other content must be respected
• Prior permission must be obtained for use of copyrighted material, with due acknowledgment of ownership
• Any required royalty or license fee must be paid
• Trademarks and service marks of third parties must not be used without permission unless covered under fair use
• Upon receipt of valid infringement claims, infringing content must be edited, deleted, or taken down as necessary

Reporting on Crime & Sensitive Matters

• Presumption of innocence must be maintained
• Speculation or commentary on evidence, witnesses, victims, or accused must be avoided
• Reporting must remain factual, unbiased, and restrained

Special care must be exercised while reporting on:

• Sexual harassment
• Child abuse and POCSO matters
• Rape and sexual assault
• Cases involving minors
• Matrimonial disputes
• Riots, communal or religious clashes
• Divorce, custody, adoption, and family matters

Obscene & Prohibited Content

Members must strictly comply with:

• Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, 2000, which prohibit publishing or transmitting:
  • Obscene material
  • Sexually explicit material
  • Content depicting children in sexually explicit acts

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Where members act as intermediaries under the IT Act, 2000:

• A Grievance Officer must be appointed
• Contact details of the Grievance Officer must be displayed on the website
• Complaints must be acknowledged within 36 hours
• Complaints must be resolved within one month
• Members shall comply with Section 79 of the IT Act and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011

Training & Awareness

Members shall conduct regular training programs for editorial staff on:

• Constitutional provisions
• Media and information laws
• Defamation (civil and criminal)
• Copyright and intellectual property rights
• Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO
• Reporting on sexual offences, workplace harassment, caste or gender-based crimes, and domestic violence

Protection of Identity & Privacy

• Names or identifying details of victims must not be disclosed
• Identity of juveniles, workplace victims, or accused must be protected
• Photographs of victims, their homes, or workplaces must be avoided
• Privacy of individuals not in public life must be respected at all times

Reporting on Communal & Religious Matters

• Extreme caution and verification are mandatory
• Reporting must promote communal harmony, peace, and public order
• Sensationalism or inflammatory presentation must be avoided

Court & Judicial Reporting

• Accurate and responsible reporting of court proceedings
• Awareness of legislative privileges and judicial sensitivities
• Balanced coverage of versions of both victim and accused without commentary

Commitment

This Code reflects the DNPA’s commitment to ethical journalism, responsible digital publishing, and the preservation of democratic freedoms through self-regulation and professional integrity.