Karnataka’s fake news bill: Rs 10 lakh fine, 7-year jail for disrespecting sanatan symbols, promoting superstition

The state government’s draft proposal—the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025—placed before the cabinet last week, has raised concern among stakeholders. According to the bill, the government looks to criminalise and punish those who spread misinformation. The draft bill says that companies and social media platforms may also be held liable for fake news shared through their networks.

Under the draft bill, social media users found guilty can face two to five years in jail. If one posts fake news on social media…