Truth vs. Tale: Tackling the Menace of Fake News Sweeping Across India with Romil Ramgarhia

In the contemporary digital age, the proliferation of information is both a boon and a bane, with the latter manifesting through the pervasive phenomenon of fake news. As a global societal challenge, fake news transcends geographical boundaries, infiltrating public discourse and influencing perceptions. 

Defined as deliberately misleading or false information presented as legitimate news, this deceptive practice has far-reaching consequences on public opinion, social harmony, and even democratic processes. The rapid evolution of communication technologies and the widespread adoption of social media platforms have provided fertile ground for the dissemination of misinformation. It is imperative to dissect the origins, impacts, and countermeasures against the rising tide of fake news.

A joint report by IAMAI and Kantar revealed that over half of India's population, comprising 759 million citizens, are active internet users accessing the internet at least once a month. The report anticipates that the active internet user base in India will expand to 900 million by the year 2025.

"In the era of accessible technology, many are equipped with affordable smartphones, yet the absence of essential education leaves individuals susceptible to deception. People are being duped by false job schemes or deceptive mobile recharge offers through forwarded messages you will hardly find anyone without a mobile but the required digital literacy is not there.'" Explain Romil Ramgarhia Ex- COO of BARC India.

Instances of widespread misinformation reached their zenith during demonetization and the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as two notable episodes where fake news proliferated. From homemade concoctions to unscientific explanations, the prevalence of unverified information was starkly evident. National news channels, at times, contributed to the dissemination of unverified content, underscoring the critical nature of the issue of misinformation in India.

Throughout 2018, the propagation of child-abduction rumors through viral WhatsApp messages contributed to at least 17 murders across different regions of India. The repercussions of false narratives extended beyond kidnapping allegations, as rumors involving supposed cattle traders and organ harvesters similarly fueled violent attacks on innocent individuals.

In 2020, cases filed against individuals for 'circulating fake/false news/rumors' under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) surged by 214%, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau.

While the Indian legal framework lacks explicit legislation solely dedicated to combating fake news, existing provisions within the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Information Technology Act, and the Disaster Management Act address certain aspects of misinformation.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has been proactively addressing fake news related to the Government of India since November 2019. Establishing a Fact Check Unit (FCU), PIB rigorously verifies claims about government policies, regulations, and announcements. Through a thorough fact-checking process, the FCU dispels myths, rumors, and false claims, providing accurate information to the public.

Users can submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, with the unit focusing on queries relevant to the Government of India. The information undergoes meticulous verification using open-source data, technological tools, and confirmation from the respective government organizations. The Fact Check Unit dismantled 17 fake news cases in 2019, a number that escalated to 394 cases in 2020. In 2021, the unit refuted 285 instances of fake news, with the figure increasing to 338 in 2022. In the current year, 126 instances of fake news have been debunked.

Commending the work done by the PIB, Romil Ramgarhia says, “While the government's initiative is commendable, there is a need for greater awareness. Considering the significant number of internet users in India, there should be an increase in the number of people using fact-checking portals."

However, concerns have been raised by activists who argue that stringent measures may encroach upon freedom of speech, emphasizing the need for a balanced and well-defined legal approach. In 2021, the Indian government issued a substantial number of takedown requests to online platforms, highlighting the challenges in navigating the delicate balance between curbing misinformation and preserving freedom of expression. The ongoing discourse underscores the complexity of addressing fake news within the bounds of democratic principles and constitutional rights.

Romil Ramgarhia shares, “Fact-checking demands time and journalistic effort, whereas manufacturing misinformation is swift and anyone with a phone can do it. Misinformation thrives on tapping into biases and emotions, making it highly shareable. It hits where it hurts.”

The prevalence of fake news in India underscores the urgency for a collective commitment to information integrity. As the nation approaches crucial elections, the potential repercussions of misinformation loom large, threatening the very foundation of democratic processes. While the initiatives taken by the government and fact-checking units are steps in the right direction, there is a pressing need for widespread media literacy and public awareness campaigns. 

Empowering citizens to discern between fact and fiction is pivotal in safeguarding the democratic fabric of the country. Romil Ramgarhia believes, “As we stand at the intersection of technology and information, the onus lies on both authorities and individuals to collaboratively address the menace of fake news, fostering a society that values truth and critical thinking. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope for a future where the impact of fake news diminishes, allowing the democratic discourse to thrive uninhibited by the shadows of misinformation.”