Srinagar, Sept 30 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government is working on a Media Policy to regulate social media platforms, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo said in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, amid a debate among legislators over the regulation of digital platforms and the role of the media.

Itoo said the Information Department would soon launch the policy for regulating social media.

The minister also backed calls from other legislators for action against what they described as unregulated social media platforms.

The issue came up during discussions in the House over the functioning of the media and the spread of content through digital platforms.

MLA Altaf Ahmad also appealed to the Speaker to consider measures against the circulation of videos and other content from the Assembly without authorisation.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the press had an important role in a democratic system but warned that the government could intervene if media organisations failed to fulfil their responsibilities.

“Press has an important role. If they fail to fulfil their responsibility, the government will act,” the Speaker said.

He called for a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the sector and ensure that journalists working professionally and according to established norms could perform their role, while action could be taken against elements operating outside the media framework.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi said the media was essential for the functioning of the government and legislature but stressed the need for professional standards.

“Press plays an important role and we cannot work without them. But there should be a proper law so that every journalist can work professionally with proper ethics,” Gurezi said.

Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, however, cautioned against attempts to control social media, saying the digital space could not be completely regulated.

“We are living in a digital era. Nobody can control social media, and we cannot blame media for everything. It is our responsibility too,” Para said.

MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said existing laws were sufficient to deal with many of the concerns being raised, while acknowledging that the digital environment posed new challenges.

“There are enough laws to regulate things. No doubt there are challenges, but they can be addressed,” Bhat said.

The discussion saw legislators differ on the extent to which social media should be regulated, with some calling for stronger legal provisions and others stressing professional responsibility and the limitations of controlling digital platforms.

The government’s proposed Media Policy is expected to provide a framework for dealing with social media and other digital media-related issues in Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)