By Nihal Kumar

The prevalence of fake news and misinformation in India has been on a disturbing rise. Multiple surveys have consistently shown that fake news and misinformation are poised to become India’s biggest threats. This surge in misinformation is not just a minor inconvenience; it has huge ramifications.

From impacting elections by skewing public perception, influencing voter behaviour, and even manipulating election outcomes, misinformation and fake news have larger implications than we realise. Public health is another critical area affected. False information about diseases, treatments, and vaccines has led to widespread panic and mistrust, undermining efforts to combat health crises effectively.

Beyond these, misinformation has also fueled communal tensions, spreading falsehoods that ignite conflicts and deepen divides in society. It has disrupted economic stability by propagating rumours that affect markets and consumer behaviour, as we saw recently with the stock market's bloodbath. Moreover, it has eroded trust in media and institutions, creating a culture of scepticism where truth and lies are increasingly difficult to distinguish.

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