Global Risks and Disinformation
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 identifies misinformation and disinformation as the top short-term global threats. It defines a "global risk" as any event that significantly impacts a large portion of the population, global GDP, or natural resources.
Impact on India
- Internet Users: India is approaching 900 million Internet users, making it susceptible to disinformation without effective policy measures.
- Political and Economic Risks: The diverse socio-political environment is vulnerable to manipulated narratives, potentially disrupting economic stability and social harmony.
- Public Trust: Declining trust in mainstream media has led to increased reliance on social media, which often spreads unverified information.
Policy Recommendations
- Regulatory Measures: India should consider policies similar to the EU’s Digital Services Act to combat disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
- Supervisory Oversight: Establish supervisory boards and AI councils to regulate Generative AI practices.
- Initiatives: Programs like the Shakti – India Election Fact-Checking Collective and the Deepfake Analysis Unit have been instrumental in addressing disinformation.
Challenges and Risks
- Chinese Influence: Persistent disinformation threats from China, especially post-Doklam standoff, led to banning over 300 Chinese apps.
- Social Media Influence: India hosts almost 400 million Facebook and over 500 million WhatsApp users, making it a key market for implementing changes.
- Youth Threat: A survey highlights the growing threat of false information to India's youth dividend.
Global and Domestic Initiatives
- Risk Assessments: Platforms should be required to conduct regular risk assessments to prevent disinformation.
- Content Moderation: Transparent content moderation policies are crucial to prevent misinformation that threatens public health and safety.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns like the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Literacy Campaign promote critical thinking and resilience.
Global Cooperation and Research
- Cross-Border Coalitions: Establish coalitions to create a coordinated global response against disinformation.
- Research Support: Develop support systems for independent research on disinformation and enhance laws protecting journalists.
Conclusion
The challenge goes beyond tackling technology; it is a test of democratic values and affects the collective ability to uphold truth, unity, and equality. As the world's largest democracy, India must exemplify diversity and resilience in an increasingly polarized global digital landscape.