The Centre has set new guidelines for digital news platforms.
The government has put emphasis on compliance to the 26% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap under the government approval route in digital media. FDI in print media is capped at 26%, and that in TV news is 49%.
The majority of the directors on the company’s board, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company would have to be an Indian citizen. All foreign employees working for more than 60 days would need security clearance. If the government denies or withdraw security clearance, the digital media company will ensure that the concerned person resigns or his/her services are terminated. The government has given a year to digital media news entities to align their shareholding with these requirements.
The guide lines will be applicable to, Digital media entities which streams/uploads news and current affairs on websites, apps or other platforms. News agency which gathers, writes and distributes/transmits news, directly or indirectly, to digital media entities and/or news aggregators. News aggregator, an entity which uses software of web applications to aggregate news content from various sources, such as news websites, blogs, podcasts, video blogs, user submitted links, in one location.
Various benefits of this would be, Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation for its reporters, cameramen, videographers enabling them with better first-hand information and access including participation in official press conferences and such other interactions. Persons with PIB accreditation can also avail Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) benefits and concessional rail fare.
Eligibility for digital advertisements through the Bureau of Outreach and Communication. Similar to self-regulating bodies in print and electronic media, entities in digital media can form self-regulating bodies for furthering their interests and interaction with the Government.
Threat of fake news, propaganda vehicles, foreign influence and interference in India’s domestic affairs is more real than ever, particularly from India’s hostile neighbours like China and Pakistan. The guidelines could help the government in tightening the noose on Chinese and other foreign companies who are making investments in digital media in the country.
