Editorial 2: Tackling the disinformation threat in India

Context

This challenge extends beyond technology; it tests our shared democratic values and jeopardizes our collective capacity to uphold truth, unity, and equality.

Introduction

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 highlights misinformation and disinformation as the biggest short-term global threat. According to the WEF, a "global risk" is an event that can harm a large number of people, the world economy, or natural resources. The fast growth of AI-generated content, biased algorithms, and deep social divisions are making it increasingly difficult to tell truth from falsehood.

Information disorder

Internet Growth and Rising Risks

• India is set to exceed 900 million Internet users.
• Without strong policies, the country will be highly vulnerable to disinformation.
• India’s diverse political and social landscape makes it a prime target for:
  • Manipulated narratives
  • Voter influence
  • Economic disruption

Beyond Politics: The Widespread Impact

• Disinformation doesn’t just affect politics—it fuels:
  • Consumer boycotts
  • Economic conflicts
  • International tensions

Declining Trust in Traditional Media

• Public trust in legacy media is declining.
• Political actors and non-state entities exploit this gap to spread propaganda.
• As trust in mainstream media fades, citizens are turning to social media for news.

Global Warnings & Need for Policy Action

• Joe Biden has warned of an emerging “tech oligarchy”.
• India, the world’s largest democracy, must act quickly.
• The European Union’s Digital Services Act serves as a model for regulating disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

Disinformation and Political Exploitation in India

• Political disinformation is escalating:
  • National parties and politicians actively share deep fakes and false information.
  • A study by the Indian School of Business & CyberPeace Foundation found:

• Foreign threats:
  • China has consistently spread disinformation about India since the 2017 Doklam standoff.
  • Platforms like Weibo actively propagate distorted narratives.
  • India responded by banning over 300 Chinese apps, including TikTok, to curb foreign influence.
• Future Risks & The Role of Social Media Platforms
  • If Meta ends fact-checking partnerships, as seen in the U.S., disinformation risks could skyrocket.
  • A recent survey report revealed that India’s youth are increasingly vulnerable to false information.

• The Urgency for Public Awareness
  • If Indian citizens fail to recognize how disinformation fuels political and societal divides, the consequences could be severe.
  • The democratic and social fabric of India is at stake.

Recommendations from the Global Risks Report 2025

Key Measures to Combat Disinformation

• Upskilling Developers
  • Focus on enhancing skills for developers working with algorithms.
• Improving Public Awareness
  • Promote digital literacy and public awareness on misinformation.
• Ensuring Accountability
  • Set up supervisory boards and AI councils to oversee Generative AI practices.
• India's Role in Tackling Disinformation
  • Election Fact-Checking Initiatives
    • Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective and the Deepfake Analysis Unit were key in tackling disinformation during the 2024 general elections.

• Market Power
  • India is the largest market for social media platforms, which can be leveraged to push big tech companiestowards positive policy changes.
  • Regulatory bodies can push for audits and transparency actions for Very Large Online Platforms (over 45 million users), similar to the EU's Digital Services Act.

Challenges and Risks

• Potential Risks of Surveillance
  • There is a risk that ill-intentioned policies could escalate surveillance, threatening democratic safeguards.
  • Both censorship and surveillance are highlighted as global risks in the WEF report.

Policy and Implementation Suggestions

• Regular Risk Assessment
  • Platforms should be mandated to perform regular risk assessments.
• Cybersecurity Research
  • Allocate adequate funding for cybersecurity research and innovation.
• Content Moderation
  • Implement transparent content moderation policies to combat misleading content that threatens public health, safety, or democracy.
  • Strict enforcement of non-discrimination rules.

• Collaboration and Research
  • Collaborate with civil society groups, fact-checkers, and regulators to create evidence-based policies for information integrity.
  • Establish a support system for independent research on disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
• Legal Protections
  • Implement stronger laws to protect journalists from threats related to disinformation.
• Global Cooperation on Disinformation:
  • Cross-Border Coalitions
    • Establish cross-border coalitions for a coordinated global response to disinformation.

Conclusion

This challenge is more than just a technology issue—it is a test of our shared democratic values and a threat to our ability to protect truth, unity, and equality. As the world’s largest democracy, India must lead by example, showing strength and diversity in an increasingly divided digital world. The real challenge is not just fighting false information, but also making sure we preserve our unity in diversity.