The Digital News Publishers Association has voluntarily established a Code of Ethics to uphold responsible digital publishing. This framework ensures adherence to high standards of journalism while safeguarding the fundamental rights enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) and other constitutional freedoms.

This Code does not interfere with the editorial independence of digital publishers but sets ethical standards and professional practices in digital journalism.

• Publishers must avoid inaccurate, baseless, or misleading content.
• Pre-publication verification is mandatory to prevent defamation.
• Adherence to all applicable laws is essential, including media laws, IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

• News reports should include the comments or perspectives of individuals or entities against whom allegations are made.
• If a response is received after publication, it should be incorporated in an update.
• Any significant developments in a story must be reflected in a timely update, along with the date of modification.

• If a news report contains false or inaccurate information, upon request by the affected party, the article should be edited or corrected after verifying the provided evidence.
• If an article is found to be entirely false, it must be removed in its entirety.

• Copyright in text, photographs, graphics, diagrams, and cartoons must be respected.
• If using copyrighted material, prior permission must be obtained, and due credit given.
• Trade and service marks of third parties should not be used without prior approval, except under fair use provisions.
• If a valid intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement request is received, necessary edits, deletions, or take-downs should be implemented.

• Presumption of innocence must be maintained in crime-related reporting.
• Reporting should be based on verified facts, avoiding speculation on:
  • Evidence, witnesses, accused, and victims.
  • Sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, divorce, custody cases, riots, and communal disputes.
• Adherence to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, 2000 is mandatory, ensuring:
  • No publication of obscene, sexually explicit, or child exploitation content in electronic form.

• Members classified as intermediaries under the IT Act, 2000, must comply with the grievance redressal mechanism outlined therein.
• A Grievance Officer must be appointed and their contact details displayed on the website.
• Complaints must be acknowledged within 36 hours and resolved within one month from receipt.

• Editorial teams should undergo regular training on media laws, including:
  • The Constitution of India, IPC, CrPC, Copyright Act, Right to Information Act, and POCSO Act.
  • Laws governing reporting on rape, molestation, workplace harassment, caste or gender-based crimes, and domestic violence.
• Journalists must strictly avoid disclosing the identities of victims, juveniles, or individuals in workplace harassment cases.
• Photographs of victims, their residences, and workplaces must not be published.

• Special care must be taken when reporting on court proceedings and judicial matters.
• Reports should accurately reflect both the victim’s and accused’s versions, avoiding personal comments or speculation.

• Extreme caution must be exercised in reporting on religious or communal disputes.
• Such news should only be published after thorough fact-checking to ensure it does not incite conflict.

• The privacy of individuals who are not in public life must be respected.

Journalists should refrain from intrusive reporting that violates personal privacy.