Draft Bill for digital safety submitted

Bengaluru

The Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission recently submitted a draft legislative bill titled the ‘Karnataka Responsible Social Media and Digital Safety Bill, 2026’. This bill aims to ensure the safe and responsible use of social media platforms, curb the spread of misinformation, and hold digital platforms accountable. To this end, the draft bill contains provisions for a mandatory grievance redressal system, the time-bound removal of harmful content, and mechanisms for transparency and compliance.

It also seeks to label AI-generated content, prevent content that incites unrest, protect citizens from online harassment, and take strict action against misleading information. In a letter to the Chief Minister, S. Mohandass Hegde, a member of the State Policy and Planning Commission, stated that the bill will also promote digital literacy through a public relations campaign and a statewide programme.