Content Policy and Digital Media Ethics Code: News Speak India (न्यूज़ स्पीक इंडिया)

Website Name: News Speak India (न्यूज़ स्पीक इंडिया) Focus: Hindi News and Current Affairs (हिन्दी समाचार) Date of Effect: October 13, 2025

1. Introduction and Commitment to Legal Compliance (परिचय और कानूनी प्रतिबद्धता)

News Speak India (herein referred to as “The Publisher,” “हमारा पोर्टल”) is a digital news publisher committed to delivering timely, accurate, and impartial Hindi News and current affairs content to the people of India and the global Hindi-speaking community. This Content Policy (“सामग्री नीति”) serves as a foundational ethical and legal guideline, governing all news articles, videos, and user-generated content published on our digital platforms.

Our primary goal is to uphold the integrity of the fourth estate while respecting the fundamental rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution of India, particularly the freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)), subject to reasonable restrictions (Article 19(2)). We are dedicated to maintaining journalistic standards of the highest order, promoting public interest, and fostering an informed citizenry. This entire policy is framed in strict accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021), mandated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India. The adherence to this Code of Ethics is non-negotiable for all editorial staff, contributors, and users engaging with News Speak India.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework (कानूनी एवं नियामक ढांचा)

As a digital news publisher, News Speak India operates under the regulatory umbrella defined by Indian Law. Our content creation and publication processes are guided by:

• The Constitution of India: Specifically, the balance between Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech) and Article 19(2) (Restrictions relating to defamation, contempt of court, public order, decency, morality, and the sovereignty and integrity of India).
• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (as amended): This governs all electronic transactions and digital content in India.
• The IT Rules, 2021 (Part III – Digital Media Ethics Code): We comply with the mandatory Code of Ethics prescribed for digital news publishers, which includes adherence to the Norms of Journalistic Conduct set by the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995.
• Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC): We ensure that no content violates specific sections of the IPC, which deal with offenses against the State, public tranquility, and individuals.

Our staff is regularly trained to understand these legal nuances, ensuring that the dissemination of Hindi Samachar respects the legal boundaries of the land. We recognize the dynamic nature of digital media laws in India and pledge to update this policy proactively in line with any future legislative amendments or judicial pronouncements.

3. Core Principles: Accuracy, Impartiality, and Transparency (मूल सिद्धांत: सटीकता, निष्पक्षता और पारदर्शिता)

The credibility of News Speak India, a dedicated Hindi News platform, rests entirely on these three pillars:

A. Accuracy and Fact-Checking (सटीकता और तथ्य-जांच)

1. Verification (सत्यापन): All news, particularly reports on sensitive socio-political or communal issues (सांप्रदायिक मुद्दे), must be verified from multiple reliable sources before publication. We eschew the publication of inaccurate, baseless, or distorted material.
2. Right to Reply and Corrections (उत्तर और सुधार का अधिकार): If a published report contains allegations against a person or party, their version or comment must be sought and included. If a correction is necessary, it must be published prominently and promptly. If a significant error is found that fundamentally changes the nature of the news, a suitable apology or clarification will be issued. The date of update or correction must be clearly indicated on the article.
3. Distinguishing Fact from Opinion (तथ्य और राय में अंतर): Editorials, analyses, and opinion pieces must be clearly labelled as such. They must not be presented as objective news reports.

B. Impartiality and Objectivity (निष्पक्षता और वस्तुनिष्ठता)

1. Balanced Reporting (संतुलित रिपोर्टिंग): News Speak India will present all sides of a story fairly. Reporting will be free from political, commercial, or personal bias. We will avoid language that sensationalizes tragedy or promotes division.
2. Communal and Religious Reporting (सामुदायिक और धार्मिक रिपोर्टिंग): Content must be handled with utmost care to avoid generating hatred, ill-will, or enmity between religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups. We strictly avoid contributing to tensions, and fully comply with the spirit of IPC Section 153A (Promoting enmity) and Section 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings).

C. Transparency and Disclosure (खुलासा और पारदर्शिता)

1. Paid Content (भुगतान की गई सामग्री): All content that is paid for, sponsored, or constitutes advertising must be distinctly identified and clearly separated from genuine editorial content using labels such as “Sponsored Content,” “Advertorial,” or “प्रायोजित सामग्री.”
2. Conflict of Interest (हितों का टकराव): Editors and journalists must disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to the subjects they report on.

4. Prohibited Content and Legal Restrictions (निषिद्ध सामग्री और कानूनी प्रतिबंध)

News Speak India strictly prohibits the publication, hosting, or sharing of any information that falls under the restricted categories mandated by the IT Rules, 2021, and the Indian Penal Code. Prohibited content includes but is not limited to:

A. Content Harmful to the State and Public Order (राज्य और सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था के लिए हानिकारक सामग्री)

• Content that threatens the sovereignty and integrity of India, friendly relations with foreign states, or public order.
• Statements that are likely to cause fear or alarm to the public, or incite any person to commit an offence against the State, pursuant to IPC Section 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief).
• Content that encourages or relates to money laundering, gambling, or terrorist activities.

B. Content Violating Individual Rights and Decency (व्यक्तिगत अधिकार और शालीनता का उल्लंघन)

• Defamation (मानहानि): Content that harms the reputation of any person, company, or association, constituting an offense under IPC Sections 499 and 500. This includes libellous, racially, or ethnically objectionable material.
• Obscene/Sexually Explicit Material: Content that is obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit, violating IT Act Sections 67, 67A, and 67B.
• Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): Content that is paedophilic or depicts children in any sexually explicit act is strictly prohibited and will be reported to legal authorities immediately.
• Privacy and Modesty: Content that is invasive of another’s privacy, including bodily privacy. We comply with IPC Section 509 regarding words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The identity of victims of sexual crimes (as defined by law) must never be disclosed.

C. Intellectual Property Infringement (बौद्धिक संपदा का उल्लंघन)

• Any content that infringes upon the patent, trademark, copyright (Copyright Act, 1957), or other proprietary rights of any third party. Prior permission is mandatory for using copyrighted text, photographs, diagrams, or video clips, and proper accreditation must be given. The Publisher will respond rapidly to valid copyright infringement take-down notices.

5. Special Care in Reporting Sensitive Subjects (संवेदनशील विषयों की रिपोर्टिंग में विशेष सावधानी)

News Speak India recognizes its heightened responsibility while reporting Hindi Samachar on sensitive judicial, communal, or criminal matters:

1. Presumption of Innocence (निर्दोषता की धारणा): When reporting on crime, the presumption of innocence must be maintained until a judicial verdict is delivered. We must avoid speculation, character assassination, or sensationalizing the victim or the accused.
2. Victims and Minors (पीड़ित और नाबालिग): The names, addresses, photographs, or any details leading to the identification of victims of sexual violence, child abuse, or minors involved in criminal proceedings must be strictly avoided, even in the event of their death.
3. Judicial Matters (न्यायिक मामले): Reporting on court proceedings must be factually accurate and unbiased. We must not publish content that amounts to contempt of court or undermines the dignity of the judiciary.

6. Grievance Redressal Mechanism (शिकायत निवारण तंत्र)

In mandatory compliance with Rule 10(2) of the IT Rules, 2021, News Speak India has established a three-tier Grievance Redressal Mechanism (शिकायत निवारण तंत्र) to address content-related complaints from users promptly and effectively.

A. Level I: Self-Regulation by The Publisher (स्तर I: प्रकाशक द्वारा स्व-नियमन)

1. Grievance Officer Appointment: We have appointed a dedicated Grievance Redressal Officer (शिकायत निवारण अधिकारी) who is a resident of India. The contact details of this officer are prominently displayed on our website, in the footer section dedicated to legal information.
2. Complaint Procedure: Any person aggrieved by any content published on News Speak India may file a grievance with the Grievance Officer, providing the specific details of the content, the nature of the grievance, and supporting documentation.
3. Timeline for Action:
   • Acknowledgement: The Grievance Officer shall acknowledge the receipt of the complaint within twenty-four (24) hours.
   • Resolution: The Grievance Officer shall make a final decision and resolve the complaint within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt.
   • Urgent Content Removal (Sexual Content): In case of a complaint regarding content that exposes the private parts of an individual or shows such individual in full or partial nudity, or is involved in any sexual act, the publisher shall remove or disable access to such content within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving the complaint.

B. Level II: Self-Regulatory Body (स्तर II: स्व-नियामक निकाय)

If a complainant is not satisfied with the resolution provided at Level I, or if the complaint is not addressed within the stipulated fifteen days, they may prefer an appeal to the designated self-regulating body (SRB) of which News Speak India is a member (to be specified and linked here upon registration/membership). The SRB reviews the grievance based on the Code of Ethics.

C. Level III: Oversight Mechanism (स्तर III: निरीक्षण तंत्र)

The final appellate authority is the Central Government (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) which exercises oversight over the self-regulatory bodies and publishers through an authorized Officer.

7. User-Generated Content and Intermediary Liability (उपयोगकर्ता-जनित सामग्री और मध्यस्थ दायित्व)

While News Speak India primarily publishes professionally curated Hindi Samachar, our platforms may host user comments, forum discussions, or user-submitted content. For such user-generated content (UGC), we maintain the status of an ‘intermediary’ as defined under the IT Act, 2000.

1. Due Diligence: We require users to adhere to this Content Policy and the relevant terms of use. Users are informed not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update, or share any information that violates Indian law.
2. Safe Harbour Protection: We maintain ‘Safe Harbour’ protection under Section 79 of the IT Act by diligently following the IT Rules, 2021. Upon receiving actual knowledge (e.g., a court order or notification from the appropriate government agency, or a valid, detailed complaint) regarding prohibited content, we will remove or disable access to the content within the stipulated time frame (not exceeding thirty-six hours, or twenty-four hours for sexual content).
3. Monitoring: We reserve the right to monitor, review, and remove any UGC without prior notice if it is found to violate this policy or Indian law. Users found persistently violating this policy may have their access rights terminated.

8. Technology and Data Protection (प्रौद्योगिकी और डेटा संरक्षण)

News Speak India is committed to the ethical use of technology. We ensure all published content is secure and protected against unauthorized access or tampering. Our Privacy Policy governs the collection and use of user data, and we take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of our users and staff, in compliance with data protection principles recognized in India. We will not use any technology to deceive or mislead the audience about the origin of news (such as deepfakes) or to knowingly communicate patently false information perceived as fact.

9. Policy Review and Contact Information (नीति समीक्षा और संपर्क जानकारी)

This Content Policy for News Speak India (हिन्दी समाचार) is a living document and will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in legal, regulatory, or ethical standards in India. Continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of the latest version of this policy.