KOCHI : The Confederation of Online Media-India (COM India) has called upon the state government and law enforcement agencies to initiate st...
KOCHI : The Confederation of Online Media-India (COM India) has called upon the state government and law enforcement agencies to initiate stringent action against individuals masquerading as digital journalists to commit extortion and fraud. The decision was formalized during the organization’s Annual General Body meeting held at the IMA Hall in Kochi.
Crackdown on Digital Extortion and Blackmail
COM India raised serious concerns over the rise of unauthorized YouTube channels, Facebook pages, blogs, and WhatsApp groups operating under the guise of "news outlets." The association noted that these entities are engaged in widespread blackmailing and fraudulent activities across multiple districts, illicitly extracting large sums of money from private businesses, institutions, and individuals.
"These illicit operations severely damage the reputation of legitimate online media organizations that strictly adhere to Central and State Government regulations," the association stated. "This trend poses a critical threat to the overall credibility of the digital journalism ecosystem."
To combat this, COM India is submitting a formal complaint detailing these grievances to the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, and the State Police Chief. Furthermore, the organization has urged the police department to establish a dedicated helpline and set up specialized district-level task forces to handle digital blackmailing cases effectively.
Leadership Transition
The General Body meeting also concluded with the election of new office bearers to lead the association. Vincent Nellikkunnel, Editor of Satyam Online, has been appointed as the new President of COM India.
The newly elected executive team includes:
General Secretary: Soimon Mathew (Malayali Vartha)
Treasurer: K. K. Sreejith (True Vision News)
Vice Presidents: Kunhikannan Muttath (Kasaragod Vartha) and K. Bijinu (Kerala Online News)
Joint Secretaries: K. R. Ratheesh (Gramajyothi) and Smitha Atholi (Malabari News)
Executive Committee Members:
Ajay Muthana (VygaNews, Localglob), Shajan Skaria (Marunadan Malayali), Saj Kurian (South Live), Abdul Mujeeb (K Vartha), K. Shaji (Express Kerala), Al Ameen (E Vartha), and Ishaaq Eshwaramangalam (Malabar News).
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