CODE OF ETHICS
Preamble
This website, The News Pulse, adheres to the Code of Ethics for digital news websites. We have voluntarily drawn up a Code of Ethics to demonstrate a commitment to responsible digital publishing while ensuring the constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
The objective of this Code of Ethics is to outline high standards, ethical practices, and legal compliance in digital news publishing. It does not interfere with editorial independence but ensures responsible journalism, maintaining credibility and integrity in the dissemination of news and current affairs.
1. Editorial Independence & Integrity
• Editorial decisions are free from external influence—including political, financial, or commercial pressures
• Advertisers, sponsors, or stakeholders do not dictate editorial content.
• Sponsored content is clearly labeled to differentiate it from editorial content.
2. Adherence to Laws & Journalistic Norms
• Digital news websites follow the Constitution of India, over 30 media-related laws, relevant provisions of IPC, CrPC, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• We uphold recognized journalistic ethics and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
• All content is subject to internal review processes to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
3. Accuracy, Transparency & Fairness
• We do not publish inaccurate, baseless, or distorted material.
• Pre-publication verification is mandatory to ensure authenticity.
• Defamation and misleading headlines are strictly prohibited.
4. Right of Reply & Updates
• News reports and articles must incorporate the response of the person or entity concerned in case of allegations.
• If a response is received after publication, it shall be incorporated.
• If there are developments in the story, updates must be published with the date of modification clearly stated.
5. Corrections, Takedown & Deletion Policy
• If a news report contains false or inaccurate information, it will be corrected, edited, or deleted upon receiving verifiable evidence from the affected party.
• If the entire news report is found to be false, it shall be removed.
• Corrections shall be transparent, with acknowledgment of the date and nature of the correction.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property Rights
• Copyright in text, images, diagrams, videos, and other content must be respected.
• Any use of copyrighted material must be done with prior permission and proper attribution.
• If permission requires fees or royalties, they must be duly paid.
• Trademarks and service marks of third parties shall not be used without permission, except under fair use provisions.
• If intellectual property infringement is reported with valid documentation, we shall edit, delete, or take down the concerned content as required.
7. Responsible Reporting on Sensitive Matters
• Presumption of innocence must be upheld in criminal cases.
• Reporting on victims of sexual harassment, child abuse, rape, or cases involving minors must follow strict confidentiality norms.
• Special care shall be exercised while reporting on matrimonial disputes, custody cases, communal or religious disputes, and domestic violence.
• Reporting on court proceedings shall be factual and unbiased, ensuring that the versions of both the victim and accused are covered without speculation.
• Sections 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act, 2000 shall be followed, ensuring that obscene, sexually explicit, or child-related exploitative content is not published or transmitted.
8. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
• The News Pulse, as an intermediary under the Information Technology Act, 2000, adheres to the grievance redressal mechanism outlined in the law.
• We comply with the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2011, ensuring:
• A Grievance Officer is appointed.
• Contact details of the Grievance Officer are displayed on the website.
• Complaints are acknowledged within 36 hours and resolved within one month.
9. Training & Awareness Programs
• Our editorial team undergoes periodic training on legal and ethical journalism, including:
• Constitutional laws related to freedom of speech.
• Media laws, such as the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Copyright Act, and Right to Information Act.
• Defamation laws (civil & criminal), IPC and CrPC provisions, IPR laws, and laws related to reporting on sensitive matters.
• POCSO Act & Juvenile Justice Act, ensuring minors’ privacy.
• Domestic violence, workplace harassment, caste or gender-related crimes, and religious disputes reporting.
10. Respect for Privacy & Personal Information
• Personal information of victims, minors, or private individuals shall not be disclosed.
• Photographs of victims, their residences, and workplaces shall be avoided unless required for public interest and duly consented.
• Doxxing, unauthorized leaks, or unauthorized use of private information are strictly prohibited.
11. AI-Generated Content & Automation
• Any AI-generated or automated content shall be clearly disclosed.
• AI-generated content will not be used to create misleading or deceptive narratives.
• Editorial oversight is mandatory for all AI-assisted content before publication.
12. Responsible Conduct in Reporting Communal & Religious Matters
• Special care must be exercised while reporting on communal or religious disputes.
• News must be factually verified and presented with caution and restraint to promote communal harmony.
13. Transparency in Advertising & Sponsored Content
• Advertorials, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing posts shall be clearly labeled.
• We do not endorse any product, service, or organization unless explicitly stated.
• Reviews and recommendations shall be genuine and independent of financial influence.
14. Compliance & Amendments
• The News Pulse is committed to continuous compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards.
• This Code of Ethics is subject to periodic review and updates to align with legal and industry developments.
• Any changes will be transparently communicated to our readers.
15. Contact Information
For queries or complaints regarding this Code of Ethics, please reach out to us at:
📧 Email: avishek_k@ymail.com
🌍 Website: https://thenewspulse.in