ETHICAL ABUSE: IMPERSONATION FOR EXTORTION IN KASHMIR

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have issued a serious public warning regarding repeated cases of blackmail and extortion by individuals impersonating genuine journalists. These imposters are misusing media credentials to coerce officials, damage reputations, and circulate unverified/defamatory material.

The actions of these fake reporters severely damage the credibility and public trust earned by genuine news organizations. Every act of extortion makes the community and officials more suspicious of legitimate reporting.

The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has ordered all District Information Officers and media houses to:

• Maintain a verified list of bona fide journalists.

• Publicly disassociate from anyone facing credible allegations of blackmail.

• Uphold the strict Code of Journalistic Ethics.

When media credentials are used as a weapon for blackmail, how can genuine journalists restore public trust and protect the integrity of their profession?