The Press Club of India (PCI) has taken a firm stance in safeguarding press freedom and digital rights amidst growing concerns over legislative measures aimed at curtailing these freedoms.
The PCI expressed concerns about several laws, specifically highlighting the Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023.
According to a statement issued by the Club on Friday, these laws empower the government to censor content deemed false or misleading, thus stifling journalistic freedom.
“The sweeping provisions under these laws grants authority to the government to remove any online content pertaining to its business that it deems to be false or misleading, are meant to silence the press,” a statement read.
In a meeting held in May, the Press Club of India (PCI) resolved to oppose such laws that potentially threaten press freedom and to uphold constitutional rights.
Highlighting the critical role of the press in a democratic society, the PCI also highlighted the need to protect Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
The Club raised concerns over provisions in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which it claims may weaken the Right to Information Act, 2005, a crucial tool for journalists investigating public interest matters.
Moreover, the PCI demanded the replacement of the Press Council of India with a more inclusive Media Council that encompasses broadcast and digital media.
This proposed council, comprising representatives from working journalists, unions, media owners, and the government, aims to address the challenges posed by the evolving media landscape effectively.
Additionally, the meeting expressed concern over the potential repeal of the Working Journalist Act and Other Newspaper Employees (Condition Of Service) Act, 1955, which provided protection to journalists regarding wages, working conditions, and grievance redressal.
The PCI called for the restoration and amendment of these Acts to include protections for broadcast journalists and those working in digital media.
With the internet user base in India reaching 850 million, the PCI acknowledged the necessity for a modern legal framework that protects personal data, ensures freedom of expression, and offers accessible grievance redressal mechanisms.
It also called on the government to articulate clearly the benefits and risks associated with internet regulation under the proposed Digital India Act, intended to replace the Information Technology Act, 2000.
