Do Karnataka’s New Bills on Misinformation, Hate Crime Raise Free Speech, Platform Liability Concerns?

Do Karnataka’s new bills on misinformation, hate crime raise free speech, platform liability concerns?

The state government is set to introduce two draft laws that seek to regulate online content more tightly -- one targeting fake news, and the other hate speech

The Digital Services Act and Online Speech in Europe

The drives towards banning more speech is almost always under the guise of banning so-called “hate speech” and “mis- and disinformation.”

Revealed! The Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025

We have accessed an unofficial open access copy of the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 and are publishing a detailed constitutional analysis on its provisions. As reported earlier it risks criminalisation and having a chilling effect on digital communications.

Karnataka Hate Speech Bill Proposes 3-Year Jail, Sparks Debate Over Free Speech and State Powers

The Karnataka government’s proposed draft bill aimed at curbing hate speech and hate crimes has ignited intense debate across legal, political, and civil society circles. While the intention is to prevent identity-based violence and harmful rhetoric, critics are questioning whether the law overreaches into constitutionally protected free speech and whether such a move from a state government is legally valid. The bill arrives amid a series of si…

Karnataka Plans Strict Law to Tackle Fake News, Hate Speech on Digital Platforms

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a stringent law aimed at curbing fake news and hate speech on digital platforms. Titled the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Offences (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, the legislation proposes up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 for offenders. Importantly, these offences will be categorized as non-bailable and non-cognizable. The Bill defines hate speech as any com…

Karnataka to Propose Law Against Online Misinformation

Karnataka’s new misinformation law may impose jail for fake news online. Can states regulate internet speech?