Disinformation Concerns in India

Syllabus: GS3/Cybersecurity 

Context

• During the recent India-Pakistan crisis, misinformation was spread in social media platforms.

About

• Lokniti-CSDS on ‘Media in India: Access, Practices, Concerns and Effects’ (2022) indicated that misinformation on social media platforms significantly affects public perception, trust, and behaviour. 
  • It revealed widespread concern about the spread of fake news and inaccurate information online.
• The Reuters Institute’s 2024 Digital News Report reveals a significant shift in how Indians access news.
  • Over 70% of respondents are preferring online media and nearly half are relying on social media platforms such as YouTube (54%) and WhatsApp (48%). 
• The WEF Global Risks Report 2024 identifies India as highly vulnerable to misinformation.
  • Key drivers: AI-generated content, unregulated influencer content and algorithm-driven social media platforms.

India’s Disinformation Challenge: 

• Growing Internet Penetration: India is on track to surpass 900 million internet users, making it highly vulnerable to disinformation without appropriate regulations.
• Diverse Landscape, High Risk: India’s political, social, and linguistic diversity creates fertile ground for manipulated narratives, voter influence, and social unrest.
• Beyond Politics: Disinformation contributes to consumer boycotts, economic conflicts, international tensions.
• Decline of Legacy Media Trust: Public trust in traditional news sources is eroding.
  • Citizens increasingly rely on social media for news.
  • Unverified information spreads rapidly, often trusted because it comes from friends or family.
• Youth at Risk: India’s youth demographic is increasingly exposed to misinformation.
  • Many lack digital literacy and media consumption skills.
• Gaps in Content Regulation: Despite Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ guidelines, health and fitness reels often blur the line between paid and organic content.
  • Influencers frequently use shock tactics, half-truths, and emotional manipulation for virality.

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

• Constitutional Limits: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech.
  • Article 19(2) allows restrictions for defamation, morality, and public order.
  • The need to balance free speech (Article 19(1)(a)) with reasonable restrictions (Article 19(2)) is challenging.
• Existing Legal Tools: Consumer Protection Act, 2019 bans misleading ads, holds influencers accountable.
  • The IT Act (Sections 66 & 67) penalizes harmful digital content.
  • Intermediary Guidelines, 2021 and e-commerce rules reinforce transparency and accountability.
  • Defamation laws protect individuals and brands from false or exaggerated content.
  • Self-Regulation: Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines set advertising ethics but lack legal force; non-compliance leads to blacklisting/public reprimand.
  • SEBI and RBI regulate influencers and financial content online.

Recommended Measures to Combat Disinformation in India (Global Risks Report 2025)

• Strengthening Technical Capacity & Oversight: Upskill algorithm developers to reduce bias and manipulation in AI systems.
  • Establish AI supervisory boards and councils to monitor and regulate generative AI practices.
  • Mandate regular risk assessments by digital platforms, especially those using AI.
• Boosting Public Awareness & Digital Literacy: Expand digital literacy campaigns to help citizens identify and resist disinformation.
  • Promote critical thinking through educational reforms and public outreach.
• Regulating Big Tech Platforms: Leverage India’s status as the largest market for platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to demand accountability.
• Protecting Press Freedom: Pass stronger laws to protect journalists and whistleblowers from intimidation and digital harassment.
• Building Global and Regional Alliances: Promote cross-border coalitions to respond to the global nature of disinformation.
  • Share best practices, threat intelligence, and regulatory frameworks with allies and international bodies.

Conclusion

• Disinformation isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a threat to democracy, diversity, and truth.
• Without public awareness and strong policy measures, disinformation will deepen political and societal divisions.
• This trend underscores the pivotal role that social media platforms play, and the urgent need to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and accountability to help people identify reliable information.

Source: TH