Government Stands Ready to Support India's Digital Shift – Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar at IDMRB Digital Media Conclave 2025

The *IDMRB Digital Media Conclave 2025* brought together digital publishers, OTT platforms, policy experts, and media innovators from across the country to discuss the rapid transformation of India's news and content ecosystem. One of the highlights of the event was a special video address by *Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar*, former Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development, who shared his insights on the future of digital media and the responsibilities that come with it.

Although he could not be physically present, Shri Chandrasekhar's message set the tone for the day's discussions. He emphasized that India is witnessing an unprecedented shift from traditional news consumption to digital-first content, especially among younger audiences. This transition, he noted, brings vast opportunities but also necessitates a strong framework of responsibility, transparency, and ethical media practices.

In his message, he highlighted the urgent need for a structured approach to digital news, urging industry leaders to work collectively on strengthening credibility, addressing misinformation, and ensuring that the digital audience receives accurate and verified content. He encouraged publishers to innovate fearlessly while maintaining integrity, adding that the country looks to the media to act as a pillar of accountability in a rapidly changing information landscape.

Speaking about the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in content creation, Shri Chandrasekhar underlined that the rise of AI must come with safeguards to protect copyright, prevent misuse, and preserve the authenticity of digital journalism. He stressed that while AI-driven innovation is inevitable, mechanisms must be established to prevent manipulation, misinformation, and content dilution. According to him, the future of digital media requires an ecosystem where technology and accountability coexist harmoniously.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Government of India is fully committed to assisting digital publishers and OTT platforms through this transitional phase. He stated that the government's goal is not to restrict digital media but to enable smooth, disruption-free growth by offering policy support, transparency in governance, and collaboration with industry bodies like IDMRB. He expressed confidence that IDMRB's collective insights and discussions would lead to a constructive policy roadmap that would guide India's digital publishing environment in the years ahead.

Concluding his address, Shri Chandrasekhar reiterated the immense responsibility resting on digital media organizations. He emphasized that the nation relies on digital publishers not only for timely information but for responsible, ethical, and balanced reporting. As India stands at the threshold of a digital revolution, he encouraged stakeholders to move forward with openness, vision, and a sense of duty toward the truth.

The *IDMRB Digital Media Conclave 2025* served as an important platform to reflect on the challenges of digital transformation and explore solutions that prioritize ethics, innovation, and national interest. With government support and industry collaboration, the conclave marks a significant step toward building a responsible and future-ready digital media ecosystem for India.