Media Ethics, Law and Safety
What the domain tests
The exam checks whether you can apply Indian media law and ethical reasoning to realistic situations, and whether you can plan a safe shoot. Cite the provision and then reason about the facts.
Core rules and concepts
- Free expression: Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) - sovereignty, security, public order, decency, contempt of court, defamation and incitement.
- Key statutes: Copyright Act, 1957, with fair dealing under Section 52 for criticism, review and reporting current events; IT Act, 2000, including Section 66E (privacy) and Section 67 (obscene material); Cinematograph Act, 1952 (CBFC certification); Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995; POCSO Act, 2012; Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
- Ethics: accuracy, fairness, consent, privacy, correction, avoidance of conflict of interest, attribution and disclosure of AI-generated or sponsored content.
- Safety: risk assessment, electrical safety, stunt and animal supervision, fire exits, and limits on working hours for minors.
Worked example
A reviewer uses a 20-second clip from a film in a YouTube critique. Reasoning: Section 52 fair dealing can cover criticism or review, but only the portion needed, with attribution, and it must not substitute for the original market. The film’s background music may need a separate licence, so replace it if the licence does not cover it.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming “no copyright notice” means the work is free to use.
- Treating public-place filming as automatic consent for private individuals.
- Blurring a logo but leaving identifiable faces and personal data visible.
- Quoting a statute without applying it to the facts given.