Working journalists welcome crackdown on fake portals; call for legal framework, media policy

‘Blackmailer’ Shubham Case exposes growing menace of digital extortionists

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The recent exposure of a self-styled digital reporter, Shubham – accused of blackmail and extortion – has once again highlighted the growing threat of unregulated online journalism. The incident, where Shubham allegedly demanded Rs 20,000 to delete a defamatory video from “The Daily Truth News”, has triggered widespread outrage across the journalistic fraternity.
Shubham, already facing a criminal case under Section 382 IPC in a snatching incident, registered at Channi Himmat Police Station in 2023, continues to pose as a journalist through an unregistered online portal. His actions, journalists say, not only tarnish the credibility of genuine media professionals but also exploit the sanctity of the press for personal gain.
Working journalists from Jammu welcomed the recent directives of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to monitor fake journalists and unregistered portals, describing it as a long-awaited corrective step. Seeking legal action against the blackmailing reporter for demanding Rs 20,000 for deleting the video, prominent journalists issued statements, welcoming the directions. (instead of…. various journalist gave their statements).
“A positive step to end blackmail and misuse of profession,” said Pawan Sharma while hailing the move as essential to restoring the sanctity of the media.
“Many so-called journalists are misusing the profession and indulging in blackmail,” Sharma said, adding: “The direction to Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to monitor such activities is a welcome move. This will help curb the mushrooming of unprofessional journalism.”
He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive media policy that defines eligibility, ethics, and accountability in journalism.
“It’s late but a welcome move; fake and blackmailing reports are real threat” said Deepak Khajuria, terming the government’s action “delayed but essential,” aligning with long-standing media demands.
“Journalist associations and even the Press Club have given several memorandums to the government seeking a media policy,” he said.
Recalling his Google training on fake news verification (2017-18), Khajuria noted how misinformation during events like the Pulwama attack and the COVID-19 crisis spread panic.
“This step will help counter misinformation and reinforce journalistic responsibility,” he added.
“Need a legal framework to regulate digital media,” said Lalit Khajuria, a prominent journalist, stressing that the directive must culminate in a legal framework for digital journalism.
“Social media has become an industry and the main breeding ground for fake journalism,” he warned. “There is an urgent need to regulate this space through law. Journalism must remain fair, transparent, and accountable”, he added.
“Anyone can become a journalist – that’s the root problem” said Surinder Sagar, a working journalist, while expressing concern over the unchecked entry of individuals into journalism through online platforms.
“In print media, both sides of a story are verified before publication. In digital media, anyone posts anything without checking facts,” he said.
Surinder Sagar lamented that the “race to break news first” has overtaken the “commitment to truth,” calling the trend deeply worrying.
“Development journalism has turned into yellow journalism” said Vishal Sharma, adding that the rise of fake journalism is tied to the explosion of free internet and 5G accesses. “Jammu and Kashmir is a border state – one wrong news item can become a national security threat,” he cautioned.
He added that development-oriented journalism has been replaced by “yellow and pseudo journalism.”
“Personal grievances are being projected as news. The government should verify every journalist’s credentials and set a minimum educational qualification for entry into the field,” he emphasized.
“Journalism has become a tool for power, ” said Sham Sunder, expressing concern that journalism is being misused for influence rather than integrity.
“Many people are doing other jobs while calling themselves journalists. This damages the credibility of genuine professionals,” he said, urging the government to distinguish between seasoned media workers and opportunistic entrants.
“Fake portals’ owners cum editors assign targets for blackmail” said Akhil Mahajan, adding that this reveals the modus operandi of such portals.
“After getting membership and registration from dubious agencies, these portals start associating with fake journalists like Shubham, who in turn blackmail businessmen, politicians, and officers,” he said.
“Instead of paying them salaries, these portals set monthly income targets, forcing such individuals to extort money using media tags, I-cards, and fabricated authorizations,” Mahajan added.
All journalists unanimously called for a transparent and institutionalised media policy that defines ethical, educational, and professional standards for journalists in Jammu and Kashmir.
They stressed that the Lieutenant Governor’s directive should be seen as the first step toward cleaning up the system and restoring journalism’s rightful role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
“The government must institutionalize media verification, ethics enforcement, and digital regulation – so that truth remains the foundation of journalism,” they said in unison.