Research Reveals Increase in Misinformation and Deepfake Issues in India; Government is Creating Solutions
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) A study released on Friday has indicated a substantial increase in fake news and deepfake issues in India, with the government announcing its efforts to create indigenous tools to combat these challenges.
The research, performed by the Indian School of Business (ISB) and CyberPeace, illustrated that as social media continues to be the main channel for misinformation, concerns regarding fake news and deepfakes are on the rise within the nation.
This investigation, which concentrated on user behavior and perceptions, offers essential insights into the dissemination of misinformation and its effects on various sectors of Indian society.
The study evaluated a large number of fake news stories, revealing that political fake news constitutes the largest portion (46 percent), followed by general issues (33.6 percent) and religion (16.8 percent). Together, these three categories account for 94 percent of the total instances of fake news analyzed.
Social media platforms emerged as the leading source of misinformation, responsible for 77.4 percent of cases, in contrast to just 23 percent from traditional media. Twitter (61 percent) and Facebook (34 percent) were identified as the primary platforms for the dissemination of fake news.
“The struggle against fake news and misinformation demands collective efforts. While governments and organizations should spearhead the creation of secure environments, individual accountability is also vital. CyberPeace is dedicated to developing safer and more resilient digital spaces through increased awareness, collaboration, and innovation to address these rising threats,” stated Major Vineet Kumar, Global President and Founder of CyberPeace.
“This study highlights the pressing necessity for a holistic strategy to combat misinformation. Our focus should not only be on technological solutions but also on enhancing media literacy, refining reporting systems, and promoting responsible online conduct,” added Prof. Manish Gangwar, Executive Director of ISB Institute of Data Science.
Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed Parliament that the government is dedicated to tackling fake news and deepfakes through robust discourse and responsible innovation, while ensuring accountability for social media platforms.
The minister pointed out the significant challenges brought forth by the evolving AI landscape, the accountability of social media, and the necessity for strong legal frameworks.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility to fight against fake news, ensuring accurate narratives in the digital era.
