Central government to regulate digital news, revives Registration of Press and Periodicals Bill

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The union ministry of information and broadcasting are in an attempt to amend a regulation on digital news media, calling it one of the first laws on digital news media.

The aim of this Bill is to replace  the British-era Press and Registration of Books Act that regulates newspapers and printing presses in India.

The Bill is yet to be approved by the Prime Minister’s Office and other stakeholders.
The Digital news publishers will be required to apply for registration within 90 days of the law coming into effect.

The same will be done with the Press Registrar General, who will have the power to act against publications for violations.

In addition to that, the Registrar can also suspend or cancel registrations and impose penalties, an appellate board will be constituted for the betterment .

The Bill is estimated to be tabled during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 18.

Written by Akhila Nair