Here’s a clear, reader‑friendly summary in English of the DNPA Code of Ethics as presented by Scholarship Jankari and similar trusted sources:
DNPA Code of Ethics
(Digital News Publishers Association – Code for Digital News Websites)
Purpose & Editorial Independence
- The Code is voluntary and designed to guide digital news publishers toward high ethical standards, while fully preserving their editorial independence.
- It reinforces responsible publishing in line with Article 19(1)(a) of India’s Constitution and other legal provisions.
Key Principles
1. Compliance with Legal Framework
- Members must follow Indian laws relevant to media, including the Constitution, IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
2. Journalistic Integrity
- High standards of professional conduct are expected at all levels—from writers to editors—following newsroom codes and globally accepted journalistic norms.
3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness
- All content must be fact-checked before publication. Inaccurate, misleading, or defamatory material must be avoided.
4. Right of Reply
- People mentioned in news reports must have their comments or versions included when allegations are made. Updates requested afterward must be added with date stamps.
5. Corrections and Take‑Down Requests
- If content is found to be false or inaccurate, publishers should promptly edit or remove the affected portion—or the full piece—on valid request with supporting information.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property
- Copyrighted materials (text, photos, diagrams, etc.) must not be used without permission. Proper acknowledgments and royalty payments (if required) are mandatory. Third-party trademarks should only be used with permission or under fair use rules.
7. Sensitive Reporting
- Reporting on crime, sexual crimes, child abuse, communal tensions, and similar matters requires care and sensitivity. Presumption of innocence must be preserved; speculation about victims and accused should be avoided.
- Compliance with IPC and IT Act provisions—especially Sections 67, 67A, and 67B—about obscene or explicit content involving minors is strictly required.
8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
- Digital publishers acting as intermediaries must follow IT Rules (2011). Each site should appoint a grievance officer whose contact is publicly displayed, and complaints must be acknowledged within 36 hours and resolved within one month.
Summary
The DNPA Code of Ethics guides digital news platforms toward trustworthy journalism by emphasizing legality, accuracy, fairness, transparency, and respect for sensitive issues and intellectual property. These guidelines support a responsible and independent digital media environment in India.
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version, examples, or a comparison with other ethical standards!
