At the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on 26 February, Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw delivered a pointed message to social media companies—it’s time to share the wealth equitably.
Addressing a gathering of media leaders and digital stakeholders, the minister called for fair and transparent revenue-sharing models that reward all contributors who strengthen online ecosystems — from established newsrooms to independent creators in remote regions, as well as professors and researchers sharing knowledge.
Vaishnaw stressed that platforms can no longer position themselves as neutral intermediaries. With the rapid spread of deepfakes and misinformation, he argued, tech companies must accept full responsibility for the content they host.
He urged platforms to voluntarily adopt equitable monetization frameworks but warned that the government is ready to consider legal measures if needed, noting that several countries have already enacted similar laws.
Highlighting growing concerns around synthetic media, the minister called for mandatory user consent before AI-generated content uses an individual’s face, voice, or identity. Trust, he said, is under threat, and restoring authenticity and online safety — especially for children and vulnerable users — must guide future policymaking.
The DNPA conclave brought together leading voices from journalism, technology, policy-making, and digital media, who deliberated on the most pressing issues shaping the news ecosystem.
With the theme ‘The New World Order of News; Rewriting the Playbook for a Resilient Digital Future,’ the conclave served as a platform for dialogue between publishers, policymakers, and innovators.
Discussions focused on digital transformation, AI-led disruption, regulatory frameworks, trust and credibility, sustainable growth models, and the evolving responsibilities of news platforms in a rapidly changing information landscape.
The DNPA represents leading digital news organizations in India and works to promote credible journalism, ethical standards, and growth in the digital news sector.
