Why in the News?
- The United Nations (UN) released Global Principles for Information Integrity to counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
What is Online Misinformation?
- Misinformation: False or misleading content shared without intent to deceive.
- Disinformation: False content deliberately spread to manipulate public opinion.
Impact of Misinformation
- Threat to democracy – Misleading content influences voter behavior.
- Public safety risks – Fake news spreads panic (e.g., COVID-19 rumors).
- Economic disruptions – Misinformation impacts financial markets.
Challenges in Tackling Misinformation
- Rapid spread via social media and AI-generated deepfakes.
- Encryption on platforms like WhatsApp makes tracking difficult.
- Lack of digital literacy – People fail to verify facts.
Global and Indian Initiatives
- UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace Initiative – Builds resilience against misinformation.
- IT Rules 2021 – Holds platforms accountable for content moderation.
- Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023 – Includes penalties for fake news.
Way Forward
- Expand digital literacy programs to improve fact-checking abilities.
- Strengthen AI-driven fact-checking tools for real-time monitoring.
- Increase transparency from social media platforms on content removal policies.
