THE IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL MEDIA REVOLUTION ON DEFAMATION LAW IN INDIA: A FORWARD-LOOKING ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper discusses how Advance Digital media has changed the environment of communication and posed new vistas and challenges to the existing law of defamation in India. Therefore, the paper aims at analysing and discussing the theme of the role of digital media revolution on the defamation law in India, with regards to the present scenario as well as the future perspectives to come. Given launch of social networking sites, and blogs, and forums the classical common law legal instruments in this area are struggling to achieve the proper degree of protection of freedom of speech while at the same time preventing defamation. Specifically, the analysis of recent judicial decisions and legislative changes reveals how the Indian defamation law has responded to the digital environment. It also comprehensively defines new phenomena which appeared recently, for instance, the spread of false information, the involvement of intermediaries, and the adequacy of the existing legal measures. Through analysing these dynamics, the paper provides a prophetic understanding of possible reforms and new strategies to improve the functionality of defamation laws in the context of Web 2.0. The findings are expected to help fill the existing gap in research regarding legal protection as the interconnectivity of media increases.