India struggles to control rising digital misinformation

Source: The post India struggles to control rising digital misinformation has been created, based on the article “Power and pitfalls of digital influence” published in “The Hindu” on 7 May 2025. India struggles to control rising digital misinformation.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Security

Context: India’s rapid digital growth has boosted access to information but also intensified the spread of misinformation. The rise of de-influencing and unchecked social media content has raised serious concerns about regulation, ethics, and public safety.

For detailed information on Disinformation poses serious short-term threat to India read this article here

The Rising Wave of Misinformation in India

1. Influencers and Sensationalism: De-influencing, which discourages purchases, may support mindful consumerism. But often, it relies on shock value and clickbait. Health reels and weight-loss videos blur the distinction between organic advice and paid promotion.
2. Platforms Over Experts: People now prefer digital platforms over expert advice. This enables quick spread of half-truths. Fact-based information often fails to match the reach of viral, misleading content.
3. Global Risk Assessment: India has been identified as highly exposed to misinformation in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risks Report. The rise of AI-generated content and influence-driven social media activity fuels this risk.
4. Impact on Public Perception: Misinformation, especially in health, shapes public opinion using emotional hooks and misleading data. Influencers craft content using selective facts and ambiguity to drive engagement.

Legal and Regulatory Framework to Control Misinformation in India

1. Limits of Free Speech: Article 19(1)(a) guarantees free speech, but Article 19(2) imposes limits for defamation, morality, and public order. Courts confirm that spreading harmful content is not protected.
2. Content Regulation Laws: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, bans deceptive ads and makes influencers liable. IT Act provisions, Intermediary Guidelines, and SEBI rules regulate harmful content. SEBI has restricted real-time stock tips by financial influencers.
3. ASCI and Voluntary Codes: ASCI guidelines, though not legally binding, set marketing ethics. Non-compliance can lead to blacklisting and public shaming, encouraging influencer responsibility.

Ethical Responsibilities and Legal Accountability

1. Blurred Boundaries: Influencer content often mixes facts with manipulation. Selective data and vague claims mislead viewers, especially in health-related content.
2. Commercial Intent vs Honest Opinion: Genuine reviews help consumers, but exaggerated negativity for clicks or sponsorships damages trust. Indian defamation laws aim to prevent this misuse.
3. Judicial Actions: The Delhi High Court recently barred an influencer from defaming a brand and stressed that health content must be backed by expert credentials.

Way forward

1. Need for Monitoring: A registration system for health influencers is vital. It would ensure accountability, especially for health-related claims.
2. Balancing Law with Ethics: Legal safeguards must be backed by ethical communication. Misuse of public trust in health advice can have serious consequences.
3. Platform and Brand Responsibility: Brands should educate users, and platforms must enforce strong rules to stop misinformation and unchecked promotional activities.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India is addressing the challenge of rising digital misinformation.