J&K to draft guidelines regulating social media journalists
The Jammu and Kashmir government is developing new guidelines to regulate social media journalists following concerns about the misuse of digital platforms. Legislators are debating the balance between necessary oversight and the risk of censorship in the digital age.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing global tension between government efforts to regulate digital media and the preservation of press freedom.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is working on a new media policy to regulate the mushrooming of social media journalists, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Wednesday (September 30, 2026).
Responding to a question from National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Veeri, Minister Sakina Itoo said the Assembly’s House Committee, constituted to examine the matter, has given the Information Department four months to formulate new guidelines. Ms. Itoo said the House Committee, headed by senior MLA and former minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, met on July 13, 2026.
Several members raised concerns over the mushrooming growth of social media journalists and demanded strict guidelines. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said he had asked the government during the Budget Session to conduct a comprehensive study of media functioning and formulate guidelines for taking action against those who violate the law.
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