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Disinformation Crisis in India

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01 Apr,2025 GS-Paper Indian Eco.
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    Introduction

    Disinformation is the intentional spread of false or misleading information.

    As per the Global Risks Report 2025 (WEF), misinformation and disinformation are ranked as the top short-term global threats.

    WEF defines a global risk as an event that adversely affects the population, economy, or natural resources.

    Risks of Disinformation in India

    With over 900 million internet users, the disinformation threat in India is a growing concern.

    Political & social diversity makes it fertile ground for:

    • Voter manipulation

    • Economic disruption

    • International tensions

    Consumer boycotts, mob violence, and economic panic are byproducts.

    Declining trust in traditional media → rise in social media reliance.

    Youth are especially vulnerable to online misinformation, deepening the disinformation threat in India.

    Factors Causing Disinformation

    1. Technological Penetration

    • Rapid smartphone/internet usage

    • Platforms like WhatsApp (64%), Facebook (18%), Twitter (12%) are key misinformation vectors

    • Encryption makes origin tracing difficult

    2. AI-Generated Content & Algorithmic Bias

    • Deepfakes and fake news articles

    • Algorithms reinforce user beliefs, polarizing opinions

    3. Declining Trust in Traditional Media

    • People shift to unregulated platforms

    • Lack of proper fact-checking mechanisms

    4. Political Polarization

    • Disinformation used by political actors and non-state groups

    • Study: 46% political, 33.6% general, 16.8% religious disinformation

    5. Lack of Digital & Media Literacy

    • First-time internet users highly vulnerable

    • Lack of mass media literacy programs

    6. Weak Regulatory Framework

    • Existing laws like IT Act 2000 are outdated

    • Need for modern adaptive frameworks

    7. Linguistic Diversity

    • Content in regional languages bypasses moderation algorithms

    Challenges in Tackling Disinformation

    • Speed of Spread: Faster than fact-checking

    • Encrypted Platforms: Limits surveillance

    • Older Adults (65+): 3–4x more likely to share fake news

    • Damages trust: In elections, institutions, and media

    • Violence Triggers: Triggers mob violence, hate crimes, and market panic

    These factors collectively escalate the disinformation threat in India, making timely intervention critical.

    Existing Regulatory Mechanism

    Medium

    Regulatory Provision
    Digital Platforms IT Rules 2021, Code of Ethics
    Print Media Press Council Norms—Censure Powers
    TV Channels Programme Code under Cable TV Act 1995
    All Media Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Sections 175, 197, 353)—Penalizes false information
    Central Govt Content Fact Check Unit under PIB since 2019

    Government Initiatives

    • National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Cyber threat monitoring

    • Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective

    • Deepfake Analysis Unit (2024 elections)

    • RBI Financial Literacy Campaign

    • Samvad Initiative: Govt-private partnership for digital literacy

    • ECI AI-based system for fake ads/deepfakes

    These actions aim to reduce the disinformation threat in India, especially during elections.

    International Case Study: EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA)

    Feature

    Description
    Came into Force November 2022
    Applies To All EU member states
    Goal Online safety, content moderation, platform accountability

    Key Provisions:

    • Faster Content Removal

    • Accountability for Big Tech

    • Central Supervision

    • Algorithm Transparency

    • Advertising Transparency

    • Strict Penalties (up to 6% of global turnover)

    Recommendations for India

    1. Algorithmic Oversight

    • Make AI & social media algorithms transparent

    • Train developers to address algorithmic bias

    2. Stronger Fact-Checking

    • Expand real-time deepfake units

    • Support Shakti-style models for elections

    3. Regulatory Reform

    • Mandate risk audits & content moderation

    • Form independent tech supervisory boards

    4. Ad Transparency

    • Mandatory disclosure of funding sources for online political ads

    5. Public Awareness & Digital Literacy

    • Expand campaigns like RBI’s literacy drive

    • Introduce digital literacy in schools/universities

    6. Cross-Border Cooperation

    • Collaborate on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)

    • Strengthen global cybersecurity frameworks

    7. Safeguard Press Freedom

    • Protect journalists and fact-checkers

    • Maintain a balance between regulation and freedom of expression

    These steps are essential to curbing the disinformation threat in India through coordinated and sustainable efforts.

    Final Thoughts

    To effectively address the disinformation threat in India, a multi-pronged strategy is necessary—combining legal, technological, educational, and institutional reforms. Learning from global practices like the Digital Services Act, India must craft its own path while upholding democratic values.

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