PMO withdraws new rules regarding fake news

After the Central Government’s guidelines regarding fake news attracted widespread criticism, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) directed that new rules regarding the same will be announced. The PMO further stated that issues related to fake news will only be addressed by the Press Council of India (PCI), the regulatory body for print journalism.

.@MIB_India is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at @MIB_India. 2/2

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 3, 2018

What were the guidelines?

• The accreditation of a journalist could be permanently cancelled if the scribe is found generating or propagating fake news, reported PTI
• If the publication or telecast of fake news is confirmed, then the accreditation of the journalist responsible for it would be suspended for six months in the first violation and for one year in case of a second violation.

What is guaranteed that these rules will not be misused to harass honest reporters? Tweeted Congress leader Ahmed Patel.

I appreciate the attempt to control fake news but few questions for my understanding:
1.What is guarantee that these rules will not be misused to harass honest reporters?
2.Who is going to decide what constitutes fake news ?
1/2

— Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) April 2, 2018

As per the statement issued by the Central Government stated that the PCI and the NBA, the two regulatory bodies for print and television media respectively will determine whether the news is fake or not, reported ANI.