Fake News and Misinformation Poised to Become India’s Biggest Threats
The growing threats of fake news and misinformation in India, their impact on public health, elections, and social harmony, and the critical role of media literacy in combating them.
The prevalence of fake news and misinformation in India has been on a disturbing rise. Multiple surveys have consistently shown that fake news and misinformation are poised to become India’s biggest threats. This surge in misinformation is not just a minor inconvenience; it has huge ramifications.
From impacting elections by skewing public perception, influencing voter behaviour, and even manipulating election outcomes, misinformation and fake news have larger implications than we realise. Public health is another critical area affected. False information about diseases, treatments, and vaccines has led to widespread panic and mistrust, undermining efforts to combat health crises effectively.
Beyond these, misinformation has also fueled communal tensions, spreading falsehoods that ignite conflicts and deepen divides in society. It has disrupted economic stability by propagating rumours that affect markets and consumer behaviour, as we saw recently with the stock market’s bloodbath. Moreover, it has eroded trust in media and institutions, creating a culture of scepticism where truth and lies are increasingly difficult to distinguish.
WhatsApp University Gaining Momentum
“WhatsApp University” has become a pervasive term in India, referring to the rampant spread of fake news and misinformation through WhatsApp forwards. This has far-reaching consequences and the state machinery has not been able to combat misinformation and fake news spread through WhatsApp forwards in a significant way.
Amitabh Kumar, Founder and Director of Social Media Matters, emphasises the severity of the issue: “WhatsApp University is a term that has gained widespread acceptance. Figures from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to journalist Ravish Kumar use it. It’s striking to consider that WhatsApp, a private company based in America, profits from data while being the primary vehicle for misinformation inside our country. Our collective helplessness in this regard is astonishing. A huge portion of misinformation is propagated by this app from the Meta family, and we are unable to take effective action against it, whether through the courts or government intervention.”
Kumar adds: “Brexit was a prime example, as was Trump’s election to power. In India, misinformation is similarly used to emotionally charge voters. Today, people are voting based on myths rather than facts. Over the years, many have highlighted the lack of media literacy in India, leading to people being easily swayed. We are, unfortunately, in a very dangerous position.”
The Rising Tide of Fake News and Misinformation
According to a recent World Economic Forum report, misinformation and disinformation represent the most significant threats to India, with the potential to undermine elections and influence their outcomes. The report emphasises that misinformation could severely compromise the legitimacy of governments in countries, including India.
The report also highlights the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence-driven disinformation campaigns, which are becoming harder to detect. These campaigns are increasingly tailored and targeted towards specific groups, such as minority communities. Such content can sway voter opinions, incite protests, provoke violence, and weaken democratic processes.
Artificial intelligence-generated misinformation has been steadily increasing in India, increasing the existing challenges of fake news and disinformation. Sophisticated AI algorithms can create highly convincing false content, making it more difficult for the average person to discern truth from fabrication. This surge in AI-driven misinformation not only amplifies the spread of false narratives but also targets specific demographics with precision, further polarising public opinion.Â