DNPA Code of Ethics for Hindi News Express
This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics for digital news sites.
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has created a voluntary Code of Ethics for its members, which shows their commitment to responsible digital publishing. The Code aims to protect freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution while keeping an eye on developments that might restrict news reporting.
The purpose of this Code is to set high standards and ethical practices for digital news publishing. It doesn’t interfere with how publishers manage their content, as they have complete editorial independence.
The key principles of the Code are to maintain high publishing standards and protect the independence of journalists and publishers.
Laws and Ethics
Digital news websites follow Indian laws, including the Constitution, media laws, the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Information Technology Act, 2000. They also follow journalistic ethics, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and fairness. Newsrooms follow strict self-regulatory processes to maintain these standards.
Accuracy, Transparency, and Fairness
Members should avoid publishing false, misleading, or harmful information. Verifying facts before publishing is mandatory. Defamation must be avoided, and legal rules must be followed.
Right of Reply
News reports should include comments from people or parties mentioned in articles, especially if there are allegations. If a person or party responds later, their version should be added. If new developments occur, the update should be published, including the date.
Corrections and Deletions
If a report contains incorrect information, it should be corrected or deleted after the concerned party provides accurate details. If the entire article is wrong, it should be removed.
Respect for Intellectual Property
Copyright must be respected. If using someone else’s content (like text, photos, or graphics), permission should be obtained, and due credit should be given. If there are fees or royalties involved, they must be paid. Trademarks or service marks should only be used with permission or if the use is fair.
Reporting Sensitively
Journalists should avoid sensationalizing crime reports or making assumptions about people involved. They should report based on facts, without speculation. Special care is needed when reporting on sensitive issues like sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, or communal clashes. The presumption of innocence must be respected, and victims’ identities should not be revealed, especially if they are minors or involved in sensitive cases.
Grievance Redressal
Websites must follow the grievance redressal rules set by the Information Technology Act, 2000. They must have a grievance officer who handles complaints within 36 hours and resolves them within one month.
Training and Awareness
Regular training should be provided to editorial staff about relevant laws, including media-related laws, defamation, intellectual property rights, and reporting on sensitive issues like rape and domestic violence.
Privacy and Sensitivity
The identities of victims or suspects should be protected, especially if they are minors or not public figures. Journalists must also be cautious when reporting on sensitive topics like communal or religious disputes, ensuring accuracy and promoting peace.
Court and Judicial Reporting
Journalists should be aware of the rules about reporting court cases. Both the victim’s and the accused’s versions must be included in reports, without personal comments.