NBDSA Fines Zee News ₹1 Lakh For Unverified 'Truck Par Namaz' Broadcast; Issues Fresh Guidelines On Use Of Social Media Content

NBDSA Fines Zee News ₹1 Lakh For Unverified 'Truck Par Namaz' Broadcast; Issues Fresh Guidelines On Use Of Social Media ContentThe News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority has imposed a fine of ₹1,00,000 on Zee News for airing an unverified video that falsely linked a traffic jam on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to a truck driver offering Namaz. In addition to the penalty, the regulator has issued fresh, detailed guidelines governing the use of social media content by broadcasters and digital news publishers.The common order dated February 17, 2026 was passed by the NBDSA chaired by Justice A.K. Sikri (Retd.) in complaints filed by Indrajeet Ghorpade, Utkarsh Mishra and Syed Kaab Rashidi against broadcasts aired on March 3 and 4, 2025 titled “ट्रक पर नमाज...जम्मू में नया बवाल शुरू!”.Background Of The ComplaintsThe complainants alleged that the channel aired a viral video claiming that a Muslim truck driver had stopped his vehicle in the middle of the highway to offer prayers, thereby causing a massive traffic jam.However, fact-checks and traffic advisories indicated that the highway was already facing disruption due to severe weather conditions and landslides. It was contended that the broadcast communalised a routine traffic disruption and promoted misinformation by presenting an unverified social media clip as a cause of the jam.Zee News, in its response, maintained that it had clearly stated that the video was viral and unverified at the time of broadcast and that the coverage was part of its reporting on widely circulated online content. It further submitted that the video was subsequently deleted upon realising it was fake.NBDSA's FindingsNBDSA noted that the broadcaster admitted during the hearing that the impugned broadcast was based on a viral social media video and that its authenticity had not been verified at the time of telecast.The Authority held that using unverified content from social media platforms amounted to a serious lapse and violated the principle of “Accuracy” under the Code of Conduct. It emphasised that members are expected to adhere to the Code prior to telecasting or publishing content.Although NBDSA observed that a heavier penalty could have been imposed considering the nature of the violation, it took into account the subsequent deletion of the video and imposed a fine of ₹1,00,000.New Guidelines On Use Of Social Media ContentSignificantly, NBDSA observed a growing trend of broadcasters and digital publishers relying on widely circulated social media content, which carries risks of distortion, fake news and AI-generated deepfakes. It therefore issued additional guidelines, supplementing existing standards, for strict compliance by members.The newly issued guidelines mandate:Mandatory Verification: All information, images and/or videos gathered from social media must be verified for accuracy before broadcasting or publishing.Corroboration Through Reliable Sources: Wherever possible, such content should be corroborated through on-ground reporting and other reliable sources such as eyewitness accounts, police and official government sources.Fact-Checking For Manipulation Or AI Content: As far as feasible, authenticity of images and videos must be examined for distortion, manipulation or whether they are AI-generated.No Out-Of-Context Use: Authentic content must not be presented out of context, as this may result in misinformation.Heightened Scrutiny In Sensitive Situations: Social media content used in reporting on military operations, armed conflicts, internal disturbances, communal violence, public disorder, crime and other sensitive situations must be tested against the touchstones of “public interest” and “accuracy”.Disclaimer Not A Shield: Merely stating that a video is circulating on social media and that its authenticity is unverified will not absolve a broadcaster of responsibility under the Code of Conduct.NBDSA directed that the guidelines be circulated among members and editors of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association for strict compliance. It also directed that the order be hosted on the NBDA website, included in its next Annual Report and released to the media.The Authority clarified that its observations were confined to examining violations of broadcasting standards and were not findings on any civil or criminal liability.Click here to read the order

NBDSA Fines Zee News ₹1 Lakh For Unverified 'Truck Par Namaz' Broadcast; Issues Fresh Guidelines On Use Of Social Media Content

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Tags