• Artificial intelligence-generated fake audio and video clips have been reportedly used in recent national elections across the globe.
• Disinformation is the intentional spread of misleading or biased information.
  • Criminals, terrorist/extremist groups, and state-sponsored actors use disinformation to spread propaganda, incite confusion, or compel violence.
  • Information technology has played a pivotal role in the spread of disinformation.

Challenges Posed by Disinformation: 

• Curtailing Human Rights: It interferes with the right to freedom of thought and to hold opinions without interference. As fake news interferes with the free flow of correct news.
• Weakening of trust in democratic institutions: The use of misinformation can substantially sway public opinion, influencing democracy or public policy.
• Polarisation of society: Disinformation often seeks to polarize its target audience across contentious political or social divisions.
• Digital violence and repression: Coercive use of information by non-state actors against its challengers often includes cyber-stalking, harassment, or Cyberbullying.

Way- Forward:

• Technological solutions: Using AI and machine learning for identifying and filtering out false information.
• Collaboration between governments, technology companies, and civil organizations for effective regulation.
• Threat monitoring, and regular technological system updates 
• International cooperation: For sharing of best practices and intelligence.