India Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues advisory to TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory to private satellite television channels regarding compliance with the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The directive follows observations by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) that certain broadcasts have been inconsistent with established regulatory standards.

Key instructions include restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence. The ministry advised that generative AI and other emerging technologies should only play an assistive role and must not compromise the accuracy, authenticity, or sensitivity of news reporting. Broadcasters were also warned against using AI for virtual news presentations in a way that violates the Programme Code.

Regarding security and crime, the advisory reiterates that live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces is prohibited; media must instead rely on periodic briefings from authorized officers. The ministry also called for editorial discretion when broadcasting violent or graphic visuals, emphasizing that reports on crime should be based on verified facts and avoid sensationalism. Specific care was requested for reporting crimes against women and children, including the use of blurring or masking. Additionally, channels were instructed to use authentic maps of India published by the Survey of India.