NBDSA issues “guidelines for prevention of hate speech”

The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) issued “guidelines for the prevention of hate speech”.

What is in the guideline?

• The guidelines direct editors, editorial personnel, anchors, journalists and presenters who are part of its member organisations to refrain from using “language and agenda-driven words”, “terms and adjectives” and “all forms of expression” which among other things advocate violence or engender hatred against individuals or communities.

• Incidentally, the NBDSA covers nearly 80% of all news and digital channels. 
• The Authority was originally set up by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) 14 years ago as the News Broadcasting Standard Authority (NBSA). 
• The name was later changed to NBDSA as the body opened itself to digital platforms too.

What comes under hate speech?

• There is no international legal definition of hate speech, and the notion of what constitutes "hateful" speech is debatable.
• Hate speech is defined as any form of communication, whether spoken, written, or physical, that criticizes or discriminates against a person or a group based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender, or other identity factors.

Legal Provisions of Hate Speech in India:

• Responsible speech is the essence of the liberty granted under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Article 19(2) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens of India.
• Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India. However, legal provisions in certain legislations prohibit select forms of speech as an exception to freedom of speech.