Kochi: The Confederation of Online Media-India (COMIndia) has demanded strict action against fake media operators allegedly involved in fraud and blackmail under the cover of journalism.
The demand was raised through a resolution passed at COMIndia’s annual general body meeting. The organization said such operators were misusing press identity cards and press stickers to carry out illegal activities across the state, causing serious damage to the reputations of genuine digital media organizations and journalists who work according to proper standards.
The meeting observed that several loosely formed media groups and organizations were operating across the state, with some claiming a national presence. COMIndia alleged that these groups were distributing press IDs and vehicle press stickers without proper verification, adherence to norms, or adherence to professional standards.
According to the resolution, many individuals associated with such groups do not represent recognized or properly functioning media organizations. Several of them are not genuine media professionals, the meeting noted.
Members also pointed out that many YouTube channels, news websites, WhatsApp groups named “news,” blogs, and social media pages operated by such groups are not updated regularly. In many cases, they alleged, these platforms are maintained solely to create the appearance of media activity and are later used for fraud and blackmail.
The resolution alleged that hospitals, government employees, private institutions, individuals, and businesspeople have been extorted for lakhs of rupees by such operators. It also said complaints had surfaced that some people were indirectly threatened and forced to pay large sums under the pretext of investing in media organizations.
COMIndia said such activities were creating a damaging situation for legally operating digital media institutions and journalists who follow central and state government guidelines. The organization urged the government to take strong action to stop the misuse of media identity for illegal activities.
The meeting further alleged that some fake media operators were misleading ministers, MLAs, political leaders, and celebrities, or misusing personal connections with them, to take photographs and create public visibility. Such visibility, the resolution said, was later used to build false credibility for fraudulent activities.
COMIndia said government representatives and investigating officers should exercise caution while dealing with such individuals. Failure to do so could bring disrepute to the government and the authorities concerned, the meeting observed.
The annual general body decided to take a firm stand against fake media operators and loosely formed organizations, stating that their activities were affecting the credibility of digital media as a whole. COMIndia will submit complaints to the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, and the State Police Chief seeking an investigation.
The resolution also urged the police to issue an official public notice inviting information on media-related blackmail and fraud. It demanded a dedicated phone number for receiving such information and said the privacy of informants, including their names and personal details, must be fully protected.
COMIndia also called for a special mechanism in every district to handle such complaints. COMIndia President Vincent Nellikunnel, Co-Founder and Editor of Sathyam Online, said the organization would extend full cooperation if the government and police took the initiative.
The resolution discussion was attended by 17 members and was led by COMIndia General Secretary Soymon Mathew of Malayali Vartha. Vice President Kunhikannan Muttath, News Editor of Kasaragod Vartha, presided over the meeting.
