Overview of Fake News and Disinformation in the Global South
While fake news and information security have become global problems, it is especially prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere, including India. Factors that contribute to the problem in this region include
- literacy rates
- how the media is regulated
- extended use of social media as the main way to receive news.
To put this into context, India has a massive, diverse, and widespread population of 1.4 billion and misinformation is rife. 49% of Indians use social media as their primary resource for news, according to a report from Reuters Institute. Online news sources are preferred by 71% Indians, with the main sources being YouTube, WhatsApp and Facebook.
According to a survey for the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report, India was ranked highest for the risk of disinformation and misinformation.
This guide describes the specific India fake news challenges and how solutions like Osavul can help.
Disinformation and Fake News in the Global South
The Global South - essentially the Sothern Hemisphere - encompasses Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Being relatively under developed compared to the Northern Hemisphere, many of the countries lack the infrastructure and regulations to combat misinformation. India is a prime example.
There are several key factors in the spread and severity of disinformation in India.
Digital Literacy
Many citizens are capable of accessing the internet but still lack the digital literacy required to fully understand how to make the distinction between fake news and accurate information. This makes them more likely to fall prey to misinformation in India and the damage it can cause.
Media Regulation
The regulatory bodies are often weak and outdated, meaning they can’t keep up with the ever-evolving internet and associated technology. As a result, fake news in India is more rampant than in other parts of the world.
Social Media Use
Social media platforms are the primary source of news and information. However, these platforms are also the main source of disinformation in India. Because social media content is also more prone to go viral, the effect of fake news is exponentially amplified.
There is a broad range of negative consequences that go along with the spread of the disinformation India is experiencing. They include among others,
- social unrest
- political instability
- health risks
In places where the economy and the government are already fragile, misinformation can make tensions worse, leading to violence and division.
Fake news about health can result in false claims about vaccines and other disinformation, resulting in public health crises.
Impact of Misinformation in India
The huge and diverse population puts India at risk of the many negative effects of disinformation. The environment is loaded with challenges
- Multiple ethnicities
- Diverse religious and cultural practices
- A tapestry of social norms
- Many spoken languages (with 121 languages and 19,500+ dialects, India is the most multilingual country in the world)
These all contribute to the quick spread of false information.
Vulnerability Due to Size and Diversity
There are 28 states and 8 union territories in India, where the population spreads out, each area having its own culture, language, and traditions. While this diversity is beneficial and unique, it also increases the risk of the spread of disinformation in India.
Various regions may perceive information differently, while the language barrier can disrupt the intended message. With the huge numbers of social media users, the fake news India sees regularly enables the very rapid spread of false information, some of which goes viral before it can be stopped.
Notable Disinformation Incidents
In 2020, in one of their regular fact-checking articles BBC online reported that the main areas targeted by fake news in India were:
- Coronavirus outbreak
- February's Delhi riots
- Citizenship Amendment Act
- Claims about the Muslim minority
Social Consequences
There have been quite severe social consequences as a result of the many India disinformation campaigns. Misinformation has contributed to social tension and violence, but it’s also played a role in riots, false kidnapping rumors, and much more. This has also contributed to distrust of the government and other authorities and has led to deadly circumstances.
India’s Approach to Combating Fake News
Because India has recognized the dangers of fake news, the government has taken steps to counteract its spread. This might involve ethical hacking and likely includes various stakeholders, including tech companies, government officials, and civil society.
Government Efforts
The government takes disinformation in India seriously and is working to find effective methods of information protection that benefit everyone. They have created targeted initiatives that improve digital literacy and counteract fake news.
The Digital India campaign educates citizens, warning them of the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying facts before sharing them.
The Indian government has also implemented a framework that creates accountability for entities and individuals caught spreading fake news. While there is some pushback, they have had some positive effects in the country.
Tech Companies
Under global pressure, several social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter), have also taken measures to prevent the spread of disinformation by
- fact-checking
- restricting the forwarding of messages
- collaborating with other companies.
This has helped social media to crack down on the spread of the fake news India has previously dealt with. However, the issue has not been eliminated and tech companies will likely need to step up their efforts to keep up with it.
Civil Society
Civilian organizations are also key players in preventing fake news from spreading in India. Fact-checking initiatives are working to debunk misinformation. Educational programs bring awareness to the dangers of fake news and its spread, helping citizens discern the true from the false.
Importance of Monitoring Solutions like Osavul
Osavul is the global leader in monitoring solutions that help detect and counteract fake news in India and around the world. Some of the cloud-based software tools are discussed below.
Introduction to Osavul
Osavul is a sophisticated method of
- monitoring disinformation
- detecting potential fake news
- alerting those who can take action to debunk it
It works to analyze data in real-time, identifying patterns and trends that point to misinformation. This allows effective intervention before fake news can spread too far.
Why Advanced Tools are Crucial
India is a vast country with a huge and diverse population so legacy methods of combating fake news are not sufficient to stop the problem. An advanced tool like Osavul is capable of processing large amounts of data very quickly and can provide insight and advice for dealing with issues. This tool is even more important in places like India, where social media is so prevalent.
Osavul’s Potential Impact
Osavul has the potential to make a big impact in India by flagging fake news in real-time, allowing for swift counter-action. Effective monitoring also enhances the regulation and enforcement of existing laws and the creation of new and evolving laws. Overall, it also contributes to collaboration, de-escalation of tensions, and information protection.
Conclusion
Misinformation poses a large threat in India and addressing it is necessary for protecting citizens in the country and maintaining trust in the government and other organizations. A tool like Osavul partners with India and helps the nation combat fake news and keep the country safe.
