CODE OF ETHICS FOR DIGITAL NEWS PUBLISHING
Rights Media (www.rightsmedia.in), operated by the Rights Media Society (Regd. No. 269/2026 under the Telangana Societies Registration Act, 2001), is committed to responsible, unbiased, and public-interest digital news publishing.
To protect Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India (Freedom of Speech and Expression) while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity, Rights Media voluntarily adheres to the following Code of Ethics. The objective of this Code is to outline high standards and professional practices for all our editors, staff reporters, and volunteer journalists across districts, constituencies, and mandals.
1. Compliance with the Laws of the Land
Rights Media and its news portals operate strictly within the legal framework of India. We abide by:
● The Constitution of India.
● Applicable media laws, relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) / Indian Penal Code (IPC), BNSS / CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000 (including IT Intermediary Guidelines).
● Laws protecting human rights, children, women, and marginalized communities.
2. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness
● Verification First: Pre-publication verification is mandatory. Our newsroom, research team, and field reporters must verify facts, official records, and data (including RTI responses) before publishing any report.
● No Distortion: Distorted, baseless, fabricated, or exaggerated content is strictly prohibited.
● Avoiding Defamation: Every effort must be made to ensure that news reports do not contain false or defamatory statements damaging a person's or organization's reputation without factual evidence.
3. Right of Reply & Updating News Stories
● Balanced Coverage: News reports containing allegations against any individual, public official, or entity must incorporate the comments or versions of the person/party concerned.
● Incorporating Responses Later: If the response from the affected party is received after publication, it must be promptly added to the article.
● Updating News: If there are significant updates or new developments in an ongoing case or story, the article must be updated appropriately, clearly displaying the date and time of the update.
4. Corrections, Edits, and Takedown Policy
● Prompt Corrections: If a published report is found to contain false or inaccurate information, Rights Media will correct, edit, or delete the inaccurate portion upon verification of valid proof provided by the affected party.
● Full Article Takedown: If an entire report is established to be fundamentally false or inaccurate, the entire story will be taken down with a clarification note published on the website.
5. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
● Copyright Compliance: Copyright in text, photographs, diagrams, audio clips, and videos must be respected. Due attribution and moral/ownership rights must be acknowledged when using authorized third-party material.
● Trademarks: Trademarks and service marks of third parties will not be used except under prior permission or fair use guidelines.
● IP Infringement Takedown: Content found to infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights will be edited or removed upon receiving a legitimate request backed by appropriate documentation.
6. Sensationalism, Crime, and Judicial Reporting
● Presumption of Innocence: Every accused individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
● Fact-Based Crime Reporting: Comments, speculation, or trial-by-media regarding evidence, witnesses, victims, or accused persons must be strictly avoided.
● Court Reporting: Reporting on court proceedings and judicial matters must be factual, unbiased, and free from legislative or contempt-of-court violations.
7. Protection of Vulnerable Groups & Sensitive Matters
Special caution and sensitivity must be exercised while reporting on delicate social and legal issues:
● Victims of Sexual Offences & Minors: Names, photographs, residential addresses, workplaces, or any details leading to the identification of victims of rape, sexual harassment, molestation, workplace harassment, or child abuse (POCSO Act) must be strictly concealed.
● Juveniles in Conflict with Law: Identities of juvenile offenders or victims must never be revealed.
● Communal & Religious Harmony: News relating to communal disputes, riots, or clashes must be published only after thorough verification and with extreme restraint, ensuring that the report promotes peace and harmony rather than instigating tension.
● Obscenity & Decency: Strict adherence to Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, 2000, prohibiting the publication or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit material.
● Matrimonial & Custody Disputes: Privacy of individuals involved in family disputes, divorces, adoption, or private domestic matters must be respected.
8. Non-Profit Principles & Freedom from Commercial Targets
● In alignment with the bylaws of Rights Media Society, our digital news website operates on a 100% non-profit model.
● Reporters and editors are strictly prohibited from soliciting money, ads, or commercial targets in exchange for news coverage.
● News selection is strictly governed by public interest, human rights advocacy, and constitutional values—not commercial or political affiliations.
9. Training, Capacity Building & Editorial Oversight
● Mandatory Orientation: All recruited district, constituency, and mandal volunteer journalists must undergo a mandatory two-day training workshop covering digital journalism tools, fact-checking, MoJo, and ethical media laws before receiving credentials.
● Ongoing Awareness: Periodic awareness sessions are conducted regarding the Right to Information (RTI) Act, media ethics, cyber laws, and victim protection standards.
10. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
In accordance with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, Rights Media has appointed a dedicated Grievance Officer. Any citizen or affected party can register a formal complaint regarding published content.
Grievance Redressal Contact:
● Grievance Officer: Legal & Ethics Cell, Rights Media Society
● Administrative Address: H.No. 1-8-29/1, Opposite Kaloji Kalakshetram, Mithila Nagar-3, Balasamudram, Hanamkonda, Telangana – 506001.
● Grievance Email: grievances@rightsmedia.org | admin@rightsmedia.org
● Timeline: The Grievance Officer will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 36 hours and endeavor to resolve/redress the grievance within 15 to 30 days of receipt.