The Government on Monday said the accreditation of a journalist could be permanently cancelled if the scribe is found generating or propagating fake news, as it came out with stringent measures to contain the menace.
As per the amended guidelines for the accreditation of journalists, if the publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, the accreditation of that journalist would be suspended for a period of six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation.
In case of a third violation, his or her accreditation would be cancelled permanently, the information and Broadcasting Ministry said in a release. It said any complaint of instances of fake news would be referred to the (PCI), if it pertains to print media, and to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), if it relates to the electronic media.