I&B Ministry warns TV channels over content violations, cautions against AI misuse

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday issued an advisory to private satellite television channels over instances of non-compliance with the Programme Code, warning that violations could invite regulatory action.

The ministry also cautioned broadcasters against the indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, in news graphics, virtual presentations and other programmes, stressing that technological tools must not compromise the accuracy, authenticity or sensitivity of news content.

The advisory follows observations by an inter-departmental committee that certain telecasts were not in conformity with the spirit of the Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

𝗔𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆

The ministry advised television channels to exercise particular caution while deploying AI-based technologies for generating graphics, virtual news presentations and other broadcast material.

It said such tools should be used primarily in an assistive capacity and must not undermine the credibility or factual accuracy of news coverage.

The advisory emphasised the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure that AI-generated or AI-assisted content does not mislead viewers or distort the presentation of events.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗯 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

The inter-departmental committee noted instances of similar news reports and visuals being broadcast across multiple channels on comparable subjects, raising concerns about compliance with established broadcasting standards.

It recommended strict adherence to statutory provisions and cautioned against normalising inappropriate language or behaviour during telecasts.

The ministry asked channels to exercise care while selecting panellists for debates and discussions and to sensitise participants against making communal or anti-national statements.

Broadcasters were advised to use safeguards such as muting objectionable remarks, displaying disclaimers or discontinuing live feeds to prevent derogatory, abusive or inflammatory content from reaching viewers.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲

The advisory reiterated the prohibition on live coverage of anti-terrorist operations conducted by security forces.

It said television channels must restrict their reporting during such operations to periodic briefings issued by authorised officers until the operations have concluded.

The ministry also directed broadcasters to avoid sensational treatment of crime and violence and exercise restraint while airing disturbing visuals.

Channels were advised against repeatedly looping graphic footage, particularly where such repetition could cause distress or sensationalise an incident.

𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

For disasters and major accidents, the ministry stressed that reporting must be based on verified information rather than speculation or unconfirmed claims.

It advised broadcasters to use time-stamped visuals wherever necessary to distinguish current developments from earlier footage and prevent unnecessary panic among viewers.

The advisory also instructed channels to use only authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India, ensuring geographical accuracy in television broadcasts.

𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱

The ministry reiterated that television channels must protect the identities of victims of sexual offences, including by withholding details that could indirectly reveal their identities.

It stressed that broadcasters should exercise sensitivity while reporting such cases and avoid disclosing information that could compromise victims' privacy.

The advisory further called upon channels to strengthen their internal editorial oversight and content review mechanisms to ensure compliance with broadcasting regulations.

The ministry warned that failure to adhere to the Programme Code could result in action under the applicable statutory provisions.