‘Just connecting the dots’: Karnataka’s IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge defends proposed misinformation bill

The Karnataka government recently drew national attention with the early workings of a Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, placed before the state cabinet last week. The bill aims to tackle misinformation and fake news on social media platforms, with violations attracting a penalty of Rs 10 lakh and seven years’ imprisonment.

A leaked 11-page draft noted broad provisions under the bill for anti-feminist content, superstition, and insults to Sanatan Dharma. This has sparked a backlash from civil society members and digital…