Government Considers New Rules to Tell Real Journalists Apart from Influencers

The government is looking at new rules to tell real digital journalists apart from online influencers. This comes after many reels were posted online during recent protests in the Capital and other places over the last three months.

Ideas Being Discussed

Discussions are still at an early stage. Some ideas being thought about include checking if journalism is the main source of income for the person, channel, or website. Another idea is to look at whether they have a basic level of online following.

Why It Is Happening

Concerns grew after protests in July by the Cockroach Janta Party against the NEET-UG paper leak. Influencers made many videos from protest spots, made up slogans, and filmed police actions. Videos were also shared when people were held by police at Jantar Mantar and other places recently. Some of those held argued they were working journalists and should not be stopped.

Access and Privileges

Officials point out that real reporters can feel restricted when many influencers pretend to be press members using identity cards. One proposal is to check digital press accreditation requests against the new parameters. The main reason is that anyone with a phone and a camera is not automatically a real journalist. Extra access given to reporters may soon be limited only to approved professionals, while basic citizen rights remain unchanged.

Context

The quick rise of social media reels has changed how protests and public events are shared compared to older TV or print news. Viral videos can quickly shape public opinion and create specific impressions about government actions and police responses during street demonstrations.