Tackling the disinformation threat in India – UPSC- GS-2 GOVERNENCE (UPSC MAINS)

According to the Global Risks Report 2025 of World Economic Forum (WEF), misinformation and disinformation are the most pressing short-term global threats. WEF defines ‘global risk’ as an event that can adversely affect a sizable portion of the population, the global GDP, and natural resources.

Risks of Disinformation Threat in India

India, poised to surpass 900 million Internet users, would and itself vulnerable without proper policy implementation to combat disinformation, with its diverse political and social landscape creating fertile ground for manipulated narratives, voter influence, and economic disruption. It fuels consumer boycotts, economic conflicts, and international tensions.

With trust in mainstream media declining, citizens are relying more on social media for news. This shift has resulted in a significant number of users forwarding unverified information, often believing it to be accurate simply because it comes from friends or family.  There is an urgent need to combat Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. The youth dividend of India is facing a growing threat from false information.

Factors causing Disinformation:

1. Technological Penetration

The rapid adoption of smartphones and affordable internet has democratized access to information across India. However, this digital inclusion has also created fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. Encrypted messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp, are major vectors, accounting for 64% of misinformation spread, as highlighted in the Digital India Report (2023) by MeitY. Facebook and Twitter follow at 18% and 12%, respectively. The end-to-end encryption on platforms like WhatsApp makes tracing the origin of false content nearly impossible.

2. AI-Generated Content and Algorithmic Bias

The emergence of AI-generated misinformation—ranging from deepfakes to fabricated news articles—has made it increasingly difficult for users to discern fact from fiction. Additionally, algorithmic biases on digital platforms tend to reinforce user beliefs, further amplifying polarizing or misleading content.

3. Declining Trust in Traditional Media

A noticeable erosion of trust in mainstream and legacy media outlets has driven citizens toward social media as their primary source of news. Unfortunately, these platforms often lack robust fact-checking mechanisms, leading to the unchecked dissemination of unverified information.

4. Political Polarization and Weaponization of Disinformation

Digital disinformation is frequently exploited by political actors and non-state entities to manipulate public opinion, especially during election cycles. A study by the Indian School of Business and CyberPeace Foundation found that 46% of misinformation was political in nature, followed by general issues (33.6%) and religious content (16.8%).

5. Lack of Digital and Media Literacy

A large portion of the Indian population remains digitally and media illiterate, making them more susceptible to fake news and propaganda. The absence of widespread media literacy programs exacerbates the issue, especially among first-time internet users.

6. Weak Regulatory Framework

Although India has regulatory measures like the IT Act, 2000, and its subsequent amendments, enforcement remains inconsistent and often inadequate. There’s a pressing need for a more comprehensive and adaptive legal framework to address the complexities of digital misinformation.

7. Linguistic Diversity

India's multilingual landscape adds another layer of complexity. Misinformation is often localized and customized in regional languages, enabling it to bypass standard content moderation algorithms and reach diverse communities with greater ease.

Challenges:

• Speed of Digital Platforms: Rapid spread of misinformation, amplified by AI-generated content, outpaces the ability to fact-check and counter it in real time.
• Remoteness of Fact-Checkers: Corrections and clarifications often don’t reach the original audience exposed to the misinformation.
• Data Encryption: Platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram use end-to-end encryption, making it difficult to monitor or counter misinformation.
• Media Illiteracy and Vulnerable Groups: Older adults (65+) are more vulnerable—3 to 4 times more likely to share fake news compared to younger users.
• Misleads voters and manipulates public opinion, Reduces trust in elections, media, and public institutions
• Fuels communal tensions, hate crimes, and mob lynchings – Spreads conspiracy theories that provoke extremist behaviour
• Causes panic in financial markets and damages reputations of businesses

Existing Regulatory mechanism

1. A Fact Check Unit (FCU) has been set up under Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in November, 2019 to counter fake news relating to the Central Government
2. For Print Media, the newspapers have to adhere to “Norms of Journalistic Conduct” brought out by Press Council of India (PCI) which inter alia restrains publication of fake/ defamatory/ misleading news. The Council holds inquiry into alleged violations of Norms, and may warn, admonish or censure the newspaper, editors, journalists, etc. as the case may be
3. Content on TV Channels is required to adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, which inter alia provides that no content which contains anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half-truths is broadcasted on private satellite TV channels.
4. For Digital news publishers, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 provides for a Code of Ethics
5. Different Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 e.g. Section 175, Section 197, Section 353, etc. contains provision to address issues related to publication & circulation of any false information, and rumours through various media platforms viz. print, digital & electronic media

Government Initiatives:

• National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Aimed at monitoring cyber threats, including misinformation campaigns that could harm national security.
• Initiatives like Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective and the Deepfake Analysis Unit have played a role in tackling disinformation during elections.
• Financial Literacy Campaign of RBI is essential for fostering critical thinking and societal resilience.
• Samvad Initiative: A collaboration between the government and private entities to foster digital literacy and educate users about identifying fake news.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) launched an AI-based monitoring system in 2024 to track and remove fake political advertisements and deepfake videos.

Recommendations:

There is a need for robust roadmap for tackling disinformation and enhancing digital accountability, especially in the Indian context.

1. Algorithmic Oversight & Developer Upskilling

Mandate algorithm transparency for AI and social media platforms.

Train developers to recognize and mitigate algorithmic bias that fuels misinformation.

Similar to the EU’s DSA, but with a stronger emphasis on internal tech capacity building.

2. Strengthening Fact-Checking Mechanisms

Scale up initiatives like Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective.

Establish real-time deepfake analysis units to flag manipulated media early, especially during elections.

3. Regulatory Reforms & Platform Accountability

Mandatory content moderation policies for platforms.  Require regular risk assessments and transparency audits.  Form independent supervisory boards to monitor Big Tech actions and compliance.

4. Enforce Ad Transparency

Enforce strict disclosure rules for online political ads, including who funded them.  Aligns with global trends in political ad accountability (like the DSA’s ad transparency rules).

5. Public Awareness & Digital Literacy

Expand models like RBI’s financial literacy campaign with Amitabh Bachchan to address digital misinformation.Roll out digital literacy programs in schools and universities to train students in spotting fake news and deepfakes.

6. Cross-Border Collaboration

Join forces with global coalitions to tackle Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).  Boost joint cybersecurity frameworks to protect democratic discourse across borders.

7. Safeguarding Democracy & Press Freedom

Ensure protections for journalists and fact-checkers from state or corporate harassment.Reforms must balance regulation with free speech, avoiding overreach like censorship or surveillance.